EU Rota notes that the Wapping Liar has further coverage on the French Referendum today where it points out that the "Oui" campaigners are receiving - quelle surprise - rather more official coverage:
The media are firmly in the “yes” camp. Opponents are given space to air views, but the editorial slant is nearly always in line with M Chirac’s assertion that “you cannot be a European and vote ‘no’ ”.
The television networks and Radio France were reprimanded last week by the broadcasting authority for failing to give equal time to the “no” camp. Jean-Paul Cluzel, the chief of the state broadcaster, replied that “explaining the constitution is not propaganda”.
Last week Bernard Guetta, the network’s main morning commentator, told listeners that “France is on the verge of committing a terrible mistake” if it were to vote “non”.
Of course this is one of those battles where I think both camps are wrong. The "Oui" campaign is trying to push for European economic stagnation along the Franco-German model wheras the "Non" campaigners are trying to push for a more complete Soviet style economic collapse.
I want the constitution to be rejected because I want the EU to retreat from its ridiculous insistence on creating a "worst of all worlds" level playing field and because I think is suffers from a complete lack of accountability, hence I am keen for the French to reject the treaty. But actually asking me to support what the French "NON" people want is a whole different kettle of fish.
The “no” campaigners are furious about the Government’s tax-funded advertising and the gushing brochure that accompanies the copies of the turgidly worded constitution that are being sent to all households. Equally irksome is the sudden willingness by Brussels to yield to long-held French demands, such as a move last week to cut VAT on restaurant bills.
However, as I have noted before, around the Alpes Maritimes, the lack of official media outlets for the NON campaign has not stopped them getting the message out. There are posters EVERYWHERE and in the letterbox yesterday was a wonderful brochure from the local "NON" campaigners which I shall publish.and translate with fisking, to show just how misguided some of their desires are. Mind you I find myself agreeing, somewhat ironically, with some of what they say - as in I agree but not Front/Outside (click to enlarge) Back/Inside (click to enlarge) Translation (of the inside) No to an Ultra-Free Market Europe The Constitutional Treaty will:
Favour offshoring
Increase our unemployment rate - already one of the highest
Threaten how many future directives like the "Bolkenstein" one
Another Europe, a socialist Europe, is possible My Comment: Yes it will indeed favour offshoring and increase the unemployment rate. But that you economic illiterate is because certain countries beginning with F (and ending ANCE) reject totally the concept of competition. Hence any one with any sense will set up his new operations somewhere else. Rejection of the Bolkestein directive is why the costs of doing business in France are too high to attract any inward investment. No to a Europe of Turkey With the Constitutional Treaty there will be :
A semi-automatic entry of Turkey to the EU as it has already signed up to the constitution
Threats to employment in France
Insecure boders and an increase in terrorism
100 million Turks will be the prime beneficiaries and, with the Germans, the prime decision makers
Another Europe, a Europe with secure frontiers and controlled immigration is possible My Comment: See above about the threats to French employment. As for the rest - this is where we start seeing France's fear of no longer being top dog. Oh and just tiny little hints of racism make themselves present too.... No to an extravagent Europe The Constitutional Treaty ordains
A Europe that costs more and more for France
The cost of enlargement per inhabitant will rise from €15 in 2004 to €100 in 2007
The drift of the bureaucrats of Brussels is alarming
Another Europe, a Europe well managed and close to its citizens is possible My Comment: Not sure about the enlargement cost but I actually agree with most of the sentiment here. I'm against an axtravegnt Europe and EUrocrats too. Of course I suspect that my idea of "well managed" and the NON campaign's one differ radically No to a Europe where France is marginalised The Constitutional Treaty will:
Impose its laws on all countries even those who refuse them
Weaken still more the decision-making power of Franc: just one commissioner out of 25
Comdemn France to keep its paltry growth, one of the lowest of the industrialised world
Another Europe, a Europe that respects the states is possible My Comment: Oh look with constitution France will actually have to obey the laws that it makes everyone else obey. Quel Catastrophe!!! The Constitution will indeed comdemn France to its paltry growth, that would be because it will in fact put to an end the possibility of "Ultra-liberal" reforms, but I don't think you mean that.