Spanish referendum: massive 'yes' for European Constitution

[Aragorn1]

It wasn't exactly a massive yes, there wasn't a high turn-out, and indifference outweighed enthusiasm for the constituion if reports are to be beleived.

[Dreamer128]

I disagree. Consider the contents of this treaty. Politics, even national politics, have never been a very 'hot' issue among people. And this is an extremely complicated treaty. I think the fact that well over one third of the Spanish population, millions of people, came out and voted makes this a massive victory for the Pro-Constitution camp.

[shamrock_uk]

Originally posted by Mr. Mopery: quote: Originally posted by Dreamer128: The Netherlands is one of the founding members of the EU. However, recent Eurobarometer polls have shown it is one of the countries where negative EU sentiment is on the rise.

Although it's not exactly related, I've always really liked the image of the "Eurobarometer". It should be included in the weather report, I think.

"Today will be snowy and partly-cloudy. Euro-pressure is quite low and there's a chance of quixotic diplomacy in Italy, with flurries of self-importance and condescension in France and Germany."

Er...or so I imagine. [/QUOTE][img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img]

For my part - if it comes before the election I shall be using my vote to annoy the government.

If the referendum is after then I'll probably vote in favour, because a bit of reform is needed.

As for expecting anyone to read through it...

I believe that our government is producing a short summary version and has stopped making the complete document available for download. Lets just hope their summary is more accurate than the one they presented to cabinet about the legal advice they received over Iraq (as revealed today)

[ 02-25-2005, 08:36 PM: Message edited by: shamrock_uk ]

[Dreamer128]

Don't worry Shamrock, it will come after the elections. If not, the Tories might use it against Labour.

[Mr. Mopery]

Originally posted by Dreamer128: I disagree. Consider the contents of this treaty. Politics, even national politics, have never been a very 'hot' issue among people. And this is an extremely complicated treaty. I think the fact that well over one third of the Spanish population, millions of people, came out and voted makes this a massive victory for the Pro-Constitution camp.

I'd say you're right and wrong, meaning no offense.

Right: more than 1/3 turnout in an EU election is really good.

Wrong: in choosing Spain as a good example to illustrate your point. The Spanish seem to have generally decent turnouts and are pro-EU. They mobilize well, as we saw after the bombings last year--something like 1/3 of the ENTIRE POPULATION demonstrated. That's impressive.

I don't think anybody was really 'really' worried about turnout in Spain. Britain and others are going to be much harder to sell on the constitution. Poland is going to interesting...20.8% turnout for the parliamentary elections and no mention of Christianity in the constitution.

[Dreamer128]

You make a good point. It's odd though.. people are always complaining that decisions from Brussels are made over their heads, yet when they do have a chance to strongly influence the future of the EU, for better or worse, they stay at home.