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EU constitutional supporters want Chirac to keep quiet

Some supporters of the EU's proposed constitution are urging French President Jacques Chirac to stop campaigning for the landmark document ahead of a crucial national referendum next week, saying his unpopularity makes him a liability.

The center-right president, ignoring the calls and new poll numbers showing his popularity at a three-year low, was pressing on with his push for the EU charter in a TV appearance on Friday.

"It would be better if he kept quiet," said Francois Rebsamen, the No. 3 official in the opposition Socialist Party, which, like Chirac, also wants a "yes" victory in the May 29 vote that is being watched across Europe. "His word is counterproductive."

Chirac spoke Friday to a public station, RFO, that broadcasts television and radio to French territories overseas. The interview was shown on cable TV in mainland France on Friday evening.

Chirac sought to stir support from the territories, saying about half of funding for their major development and public works projects comes from the EU. The 1.4 million people in France's territories overseas traditionally turn out in small numbers for national votes.

"It is indispensable that France has, within Europe, the necessary weight to defend the interests and values of our overseas compatriots," Chirac said. "Rarely in their history will their future have been so tied up with a political decision."

Rebsamen claimed Chirac and his even less popular prime minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, are fueling opposition to the treaty among Socialist voters who could make or break the referendum outcome.

"If [Chirac] doesn't want the French to break up Europe -- because that's what's really at stake today -- he has to be careful about what he says and how he says it," Rebsamen said in a telephone interview.
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