Statement from Party of European Socialists President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen on the outcome of the Spanish EU Constitution referendum

"My heartfelt congratulations to my good friend Jose Luis Zapatero for leading a fantastic campaign.

We would all of course have hoped for a higher turnout. But the convincing win in favour of the Constitution has set the tone for the referenda to come across Europe.

Zapatero has shown that a strong campaign that actually deals with what is relevant to ordinary people in the constitution is the way to win hearts and minds. Small talk, institutional technicalities and lofty debate will not work.

I strongly urge other European governments to follow Spain’s lead in this regard so Europe can see this constitution approved and start to reap its benefits.

It is a blueprint for a New European House with more and better rights, and more and better jobs for ordinary people."

Ends.