France heads for political upheaval as No vote looms

FRANCE headed towards a political earthquake yesterday as polls showed voters were set to reject the European Union Constitution in a referendum and open the door to a period of political uncertainty.

Treaty supporters say rejection in tomorrow’s vote would kill the constitution and weaken France in Europe. Opponents say a No would force the EU to redraft the treaty, giving more protection for social services and workers.

President Jacques Chirac’s televised appeal to voters on Thursday evening not to use the vote to punish his unpopular government left most commentators cold and his hint he would be changing prime ministers was met with derision.