Prominente Franse socialist bezorgd over neo-liberaal karakter Europese Grondwet (en)

A French former minister has said that he is "truly frightened" by the new European Constitution.

In an interview with Le Figaro, Jean-Pierre Chevènement, who is a socialist and former interior and defence minister of France, condemned the text for being too economically liberal and in the area of common foreign and security policy of being a tool of "vassalisation to the US".

Mr Chevènement said the treaty "would prevent all autonomous defence policy".

All common defence will have to be "compatible with the security policy contained within the framework of NATO", said the former minister.

"Moreover, the principle of reinforced co-operation between countries is subject to the agreement of the council and the European Parliament. The hope for a flexible Europe has therefore been nipped in the bud", said Mr Chevènement.

He repeated his hope that the Constitution will be turned down by French citizens in next year's referendum by saying that he was certain that among the 25 countries concerned, some will reject the text.

"I hope France is one of them", said Mr Chevènement.

France is marginalized

The former minister also lashed out at France's dwindling influence in the newly enlarged European Union.

"France is marginalized. A Europe of 25 automatically means a majority for governments most subservient to the United States".

"France has only one commissioner now out of 25. It is undeniable that in this commission, the liberals and the atlanticists make up the lion's share".