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:: Wednesday, June 01, 2005 ::
When Non doesn't necessarily mean Non
With the resounding defeat of the EU Constitution in France, and a similar defeat expected today from the Dutch, indignant Eurocrats from Spain to Germany are implying that the vote of the people doesn't really matter; the European super-state is in place whether the dissenters like it or not:
"Today, the Netherlands votes on the treaty: A no is expected from the Dutch, too, which should in theory finish the constitution off.
"Not so, say some in the EU (and some worried sceptics). Eurocrats warn that just because the bloody-minded French and the awkward Dutch have rejected the treaty, that should not prevent "the will of the people" in the rest of Europe from being followed. In other words, nine nations have already ratified the treaty (all but one through parliamentary, rather than popular votes). It would be undemocratic to allow the minority (France, maybe Holland) to hold up the wishes of the majority."
Ironically, the bickering Iraqis crafted and adopted an intelligible constitution in a fraction of the time the Europeans have taken. But it's not really surprising given the top-heavy bureaucracies and nationalism involved.
Go to Zacht Ei for a blow by blow account of the Dutch election.
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:: Max 7:29 AM [+] ::
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