"The Fight Is Not Over"
Party of European Socialists President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen on the French Referendum

This is a sad, sad day for France and a sad day for Europe too.

The exceptional mobilization of French voters was unfortunately insufficient.

But rumours of the Constitution’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.

We must not read the ‘non’ in France as a ‘non’ to Europe. This is not the last word on the European constitution. The French people wished to reject a tired and unpopular government that has failed to represent the concerns of ordinary people in France.

The French Government did not succeed in creating a real debate on what the new treaty is really about.

The PES wants to reach out to people’s uncertainty about the future by regaining growth and jobs in Europe. We understand people’s worries about the future of Europe.

The European constitution remains the best possible means for European social democrats to create a more prosperous Europe of more and better jobs and active social welfare. The European constitution has now been ratified by nine Member States of the European Union. The French ‘No’ should not be the end to the ratification process. Every citizen of the European Union has the right to vote on this constitution, either directly or through their national parliaments.

Now, we appeal to the Dutch people: Vote ‘Yes’ to this constitution on 1 June. This constitution gives us a better house to promote more effective cooperation for employment and security, and for a strong Europe in the world.

The PES will work to strengthen Europe for the benefit of ordinary people. The fight continues for more and better jobs in Europe.

Mr Rasmussen will be available for comment on Sunday night. Journalists can contact him through Alexandra Pardal on +32 485941905