The European Constitution
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POLAND (updated February 27, 2005) Will there be a referendum? Probably in late 2005, at the same time as presidential elections. Public opinion According to the latest CBOS survey, 64% of Poles are in favour of the Constitution, but to be valid at least 50% of the electorate must vote, and only 42% indicate they are certain to do so. 41% say they would like to see the referendum delayed for as long as possible. (Gazeta Wyborcza 27.02.05) Constitutional problems? A binding referendum initiated by the Sejm (Polish parliament) is expressly provided for to ratify international treaties or matters seen as being of crucial importance to the state. Art. 6 of the EU Treaty guarantees the integrity of the fundamental principles of the Polish constitution. Precedents? 2003: EU - Accession ('Yes' 77 % - 'No' 23 %. Turnout 59 %) Notes: Poland approved the European Constitution with misgivings, not least about the absence of any reference in the document to Europe's Christian roots. On 29.10.04, when the 25 EU heads of state gathered in Rome to sign the Constitution, Polish President Kwasniewski said he was "relatively optimistic" about the results of the referendum in Poland. "I think that nearly 70% of Poles who voted last year for entry into the EU will say 'yes' again," he said. Poland links: Poland constitution (in English) Online forum on future of Europe especially aimed at encouraging young people to discuss (in Polish, English and French) with their fellow Europeans Polish website on future of Europe, October 2002 |
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