France wraps up heated campaign on EU constitution

The French were closing a tumultuous and divisive referendum campaign today about Europe’s future and their place in it, with rebellious, disgruntled voters seemingly determined to rattle the continent and President Jacques Chirac by saying “non!” to the European Union’s first constitution.

A “no” on Sunday would make France the first country to reject the landmark treaty – a result that could throw Europe’s forward momentum into disarray, especially if the Dutch follow the French lead in their referendum three days later.