France set to ratify Lisbon Treaty
Monday, 4 February 2008 22:55
The French parliament has voted to revise the constitution, a key step towards adopting the new EU reform treaty.
The ratification comes nearly three years after French voters voted against the former EU constitution in a referendum, but this time its replacement is not being put to a popular vote.
Instead the Assemble Nationale and the Senate will effectively ratify the new treaty.
Following the government vote, the Assemble Nationale will vote on 7 February to adopt the Lisbon reform treaty itself, followed by the Senate, ahead of a final ratification by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The socialists, who were so deeply divided during the 2005 referendum, are largely abstaining from tonight's vote.
The majority of socialist deputies support the treaty, but would prefer another referendum to be held.
There has been little debate about this swift ratification in France.
The issue was dealt with quickly during last year's presidential election, and most voters appear to accept Nicolas Sarkozy's reassurance that this is a mini treaty, with the constitutional aspects of the previous one stripped out.
Slovenia, Malta and Hungary have already ratified the treaty - Ireland is the only country holding a referendum.
- Six One News: Tony Connelly, Europe Correspondent, reports that both houses of the French parliament have begun ratifying the Lisbon Treaty
- Six One News: Irish 'No to Lisbon' campaign formally launched
- Morning Ireland: Tony Connelly, Europe Correspondent, reports that the French government is due to ratify the Lisbon Treaty today at a special congress in Versailles
