Even if they rewrite the treaty, come up with a second one, well, Sequella numquam tam bona est quam originalis (The sequel is never as good as the original).

I thought on of the main reasons for the non vote in France was fear of loosing what power
the French felt they did have in Europe (among others). I think it would have to be a pretty weak document in order to satisfy the French to vote yes on the sequel to the first.

And I believe you are right, Andy. Sarko is whistle-stopping around Europa peddling the idea of a simpler constitution.

The EU project was great for France while France ruled the roost. But expansion and France's cross-eyed vision of a French-led Europa -- to say nothing of France herself as an exemplar of where French vision leads -- diminished and discredited France, respectively.

The French themselves made this point with the NON vote, voting down the handiwork of a native son.

Where I might disagree with you is that the original was so singularly hideous that the sequel cannot help but be an improvement -- even if a complete botch it will be a lesser botch, which counts as better.

Regards,
DGB

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there is no plan for us to accept or refuse this "simpler" version. It would be imposed on us.

C,

No ratification method, to my knowledge, has been mentioned in the wire stories, neither referendum nor parlianmentary vote.

It seems inconceivable that after originally submitting the Constitution to a public vote that the government would bypass the public on a second Consitution. That would be a clear admission of the government's low confidence in its handiwork and disdain for the electorate. Such a move would make the CPE riots look tame.

One of the only good things to come about from Jack's presidency was his miscalculation in trusting passage of the Constitution to the electorate. If Sarko tries an end-run on the public it will bring down his government and put the brakes on any reforms he intends.

Regards,
DGB

It seems inconceivable that after originally submitting the Constitution to a public vote that the government would bypass the public on a second Consitution.

This is France we're talking about. This would be disdain for the electorate indeed, something we've been used to for many years. There are no signs President Sarkozy intends to change that. I hope I'm wrong, but I think I'm not.

Hmm, something fishy here. Let's see… the government ramming a piece of unpopular legislation down the throats of an electorate that disagrees with the legislation. There is not vote by the people, only the decision by the government – for after all, they know best. Yes, a virtual "end-run" on the public. Hey, sounds like the immigration legislation here in the US! Wait a minute, what country am I living in?