61.6% of the Dutch people say 'no' to EU constitution
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
The end result says that 61.6% of the Dutch people vote tegen (against) the European Constitution, while 38.4% voted voor (for) the Constitution. Turnout was unexpectedly high, at 62.8%, more than the last three elections. The 'no' vote follows a similar vote in France last week that lead to the resignation of the prime minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
As in France, both the government and the parliament was highly pro-treaty, with Dutch Prime Minister, Jan Peter Balkenende, pleading over the past few days with voters not to be influenced by the French 'No' vote. While the citizenship's vote is legally non-binding, Mr. Balkenende and the Dutch parliament have said they will support it.
The major reasons for the 'no' vote appear to be worry over the rapid expansion of the EU, loss of a national identity, distrust as a result of the inflation (allegedly a result of the Euro) and a lack of democracy. Other motivations include unhappiness with the government and Turkey's candidate accession to the European Union.
Related News
edit- "Dutch vote today on EU constitution" — Wikinews, June 1, 2005
- "France votes no in EU referendum" — Wikinews, May 29, 2005
- "Exit poll: 55% of French voters say no to EU constitution" — Wikinews, May 29, 2005
Sister links
editSources
edit- "Dutch say 'No' to EU constitution" — BBC News, June 1, 2005
- "Dutch voters reject EU Constitution" — RTE News, June 1, 2005
- "Dutch Voters Reject EU Constitution" — The Guardian, June 1, 2005
- AFX News Limited. "DUTCH EU VOTE - PM 'disappointed' at no-vote but will respect outcome" — Forbes.com, June 1, 2005
External links
edit- Gateway to the European Union - Official EU website
- Reader-friendly edition of the EU Constitution — Highlights and commentary (PDFs).
- European Yes Campaign - Official website
- European No Campaign - Official website
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