French referendum - Verdict on government imminent

Whatever the outcome of yesterday’s French referendum on the EU constitution, it will amount to a verdict on the government’s dismal handling of the economy, as well as causing havoc in Europe should it reject the charter.

That would appear to be the likely outcome, according to three polls published on Friday, all of which predicted an ominous 54% of voters disgruntled enough to cast a No vote.

As a founder member of the EU, it would be a huge embarrassment for France and a humiliation for President Jacques Chirac, leaving the union to face a huge dilemma.