Dutch vote on EU constitution

Voters in the Netherlands are heading to the polls today to vote on the EU constitution amid speculation that the result will be a ‘No’ vote.

Opinion polls have predicted that 60% of Dutch voters are likely to reject the constitution, which could prove to be a devastating blow for the treaty, coming just days after the French vote delivered a ‘No’ result.

The results of the vote in the Netherlands is non-binding but Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has agreed to accept it. Last night, he made a last-minute plea to voters to vote in favour of the constitution.

However, it has been reported that many Dutch people are unhappy with price rises which have occurred since the euro was introduced and are also wary of the interference of a Brussels ‘super state’, which could affect the more liberal policies the Netherlands has on areas such as euthanasia, prostitution and marijuana use. Other voters are reported to be unhappy with the possible inclusion of Turkey in the EU.

The ‘No’ vote in France was a blow to French president Jacques Chirac. Yesterday, it was announced that unpopular Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin would be replaced by Dominique de Villepin, following the vote in which 55% of French voters rejected the treaty. However, it is not thought that any resignations would result from a ‘No’ result in the Dutch referendum.

The EU constitution needs to be ratified by all 25 EU member states before it can be introduced. Nine countries have ratified the treaty so far – Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia through votes by their respective parliaments and Spain via referendum.

Britain has yet to decide on whether a referendum will be held on the EU constitution following the rejection of the treaty by the French. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was too early to decide on a referendum.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is expected to make a statement to the House of Commons next week.

(KMcA/GB)