France and the European Constitution

The lengthy process that is leading us to the ratification of the European Constitution may still reserve a number of surprises. We all have our eyes on the UK--Blair is not in an easy position-- but the unexpected result may come from France, something which would be more than welcome on the other side of the eurotunnel.
France, which will hold its referendum on 29 may 2005, is now facing a harsh political debate on the European Constitution. The Socialist party is split, and it seems that the rest of the population suddenly realised that the Constitution has an exaggerated liberal-economic component. This is completely false, the EuConst does not add anything new on this point, but the polarised debate seems to attract attention on this feature as being at odd with domestic values. The debate from now until May will be harsh and dirty. The truth is that, at last, the European Constitution is bringing some European politics at the domestic level.

UPDATES
On 21 March, a new poll confirms that the transversal party against the ratification of the European Consitution is growing. More worringly, the European Constitution is now discussed along with the issue of the accession of Turkey to the Union. This is not promising . A Yes to the Eu-Const will not entail a Yes to the accession of Turkey. The two problems have separate consequences, thus they'd better be kept separate.