Deutsche Welle Reports after a large voter turnout, France has overwhelmingly said "non" to the proposed EU constitution. Projections released immediately after polls closed show between 54.5 and 55.6 percent voted against the document.
It was not much of a surprise, since surveys for several weeks have shown the "no" camp to be in the lead. Despite an urgent, last-minute appeal from President Jacques Chirac, a majority of French voters were not convinced that the proposed constitution, which was designed to simplify decision making after the EU's enlargement last year, was in their best interests.
he sharp defeat for the charter, which has been dreaded by EU leaders, could weaken France, one of the central pillars of the European Union. Supporters have said a defeat could stall European integration and unsettle some financial markets.
See… France Votes NON To EU Constitution