Brussels, 31/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - Various groups at the European Parliament are delighted with the French 'No' vote on the European Constitution, expressing different degrees of delight (see Europe No. 8957 for other reactions). The President of the United European Left/Nordic Green Left group, Francis Wurtz, for example, said the No victory in the referendum in France was 'excellent news for democracy and for Europe'. 'At the end of a campaign of information, explanation and debate of unprecedented depth, French citizens succeeded in grasping the European issues and the substance of the constitutional draft treaty. People who no longer voted… found on this occasion the way to the polls,' he explains in a press release. Wurtz continued: 'By a large majority, the No voters are for Europe, but against the liberal model and its operation too far away from the people. I am convinced that these concerns exist throughout the EU: it is healthy that they are expressed and that citizens could determine together what has to change in Europe so that they again recognise themselves in the European adventure. It is in this spirit that the renegotiation of the treaty must be conducted.'
Jens-Peter Bonde (Co-President along with British eurosceptic Nigel Farage of the Independence and Democracy group) says in a press release: 'Thank you, France. You have killed the proposed constitution. Leave it in the archives of Giscard d'Estaing, who missed a historic opportunity to form new playing rules for the European Union.' The Danish MEP suggested replacing the Constitution with '50 articles and 20 pages, easily read and understood by everyone, easily read and understood by everyone, agreed by the vast majority in a working group composed equally from the Yes and No sides in Europe,' Bonde said that Declaration No. 30 attached to the proposed Constitution foresees a situation where 4/5 of the Member States ratify within two years, but states that declarations are never binding.
The President of the Socialist group, Martin Schultz, has announced that he is inviting Francois Hollande, President of the French Socialist Party, to Strasbourg on 8 June to discuss the outcome of the French referendum. In a press release, the German Social Democrat says he assured Hollande of his full solidarity. Spanish Socialist Enrique Baron says the serious nature of the situation should not lead to pessimism but should stimulate the search for a intelligent, daring solution.
Disappointment dominates in the European political parties. Wilfried Martens, President of the European People's Party, expressed his disappointment in a press release issued on 30 May: 'I respect the clear decision of the French people, but yesterday was not a good day for Europe…. But one country can't stop all other countries making up their own minds about the future of Europe. That is why the ratification process has to continue. In the end the heads of government have to find a political solution.' The European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, ELDR, said the 'French no is a political failure', ELDR President Werner Hoyer said: 'Time has come for a rethink and a fresh start… The debate in France has shown that liberalism has been heavily criticised and is incorrectly understood as neo-liberalism.' He quoted the example of Finland which 'combines the EU's highest level of competitiveness and a well-functioning welfare state.'
Turning to European organisations, the President of the European Movement International (EMI), Jose Maria Gil-Robles, said: 'this is an unfortunate obstacle in the Treaty ratification process… but the Constitution is by no means defeated… It will be crucial to remain mobilised in the Member States which have still to cast their vote.' The EMI will analyse the results and consequences of the French vote at its next Federal Council meeting in Luxembourg, on 10/11 June. President of the Young European Federalists, JEF-Europe, Jon Worth, said: 'This result is a bitter blow for Europe and France… but there are lessons to be learnt… European leaders should take their European commitments seriously and declare that the Constitution should enter into force automatically if we have a majority of states and a majority of citizens in favour.'
Terry Davis, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, comments in a press release that he doesn't see why Council of Europe cooperation with the EU would be affected by the French 'Non'. The Council of Europe, he recalled, is based on cooperation, rather than integration of its members.