At first glance, it may seem that the French public has given a clear sign of no confidence in the European Union. However, is this really the case, or are we instead seeing the result of a French public that decided to protest at the wrong time?

The “no” camp in France gave several reasons for being against the European Constitution. These reasons varied from the totally banal to points which, although true, were taken to the extreme.

This, in my opinion, did not lead to the “no” victory. What led to victory was the French attitude.

Once again the French have demonstrated a total disregard for their European partners and, without knowing it, eventually their own future. They decided to protest against then-Prime Minister Jean Pierre Rafarin and President Jacques Chirac despite the fact that such a protest could have serious repercussions.

The European Constitution was indeed a necessity for a union made of 25 states. We cannot continue to operate on a set of laws designed for 15 countries when we are a group of 25. If Europe is to continue to grow and indeed become an economic and political power, an attitude such as that shown by the French has to end.

Apart from the obvious question of what next, I feel that there is another question to be asked. A question which the French must ask to themselves. The French have to ask themselves: “Are we committed to Europe or do we put a petty protest as our top priority?”

Angelo Micallef

Marsaxlokk