FOLLOWING THE EUROPEAN UNION

I suspect the new Baltic and eastern European states in the EU have a better understanding of the new social and economic realities than do those of Rumsfeld's "old Europe".

I suppose, that you just left out the social systems in Austria, the UK, etc just happened because of the limit of space here and not, why they don't belong to Rumsfeld's Old Europe and thus wouldn't fir in your picture :wink:

French vote is no laughing matter

By Tamsin Smith
BBC News, Paris


Arguments about the EU constitution have infiltrated every aspect of French life. Some families have decided to ban the topic at the dinner table as it is causing rows, not to mention indigestion.

Even French comedians who usually delight in political furore are avoiding the subject.


In the crowded Paris theatre district nestled near the unmistakable red neon lights of the Moulin Rouge is Le Teatre des Deux Anes.

It is one of the most famous stand-up comedy clubs in Paris and prides itself on its political satire.

Inside the velvet walled theatre, four comedians spend the evening poking fun at France's politics and politicians.

Jokes about the state of the economy, party allegiances and politicians' holidays are all met with laughter and applause.

But there is only an occasional veiled reference to the debate over the EU constitution that has dominated French political life recently.

Changing routines

"If we talk about it... there will be a riot in here," says comedian Florence Brunold, who is dressed as President Chirac's wife.

"We shouldn't mention the referendum even with family or with friends... it's too tough a subject.

"People come to our show to relax. We're not here to add to their problems and right now people are fed up of hearing politicians talking non-stop about the constitution."


The audience, many of whom are over 50, agree. "I really don't want to hear about it," says Yves. "I've have it up to here with the talk about this referendum."

The question of course is whether the comedians expect to adapt their routines after the referendum result.

"Of course we will have to change our scripts then," says Florence.

"Things will be very different and there will be lots of material for us when it comes to the political fallout. But we shouldn't take political positions because no-one should know if a political comedian is on the left or on the right."

French 'jokers'

Michel Guidoni is next up on stage and during his act he sings a song in the style of Valery Giscard D'Estaing the former French president who was in charge of drawing up the EU constitution.

But there is no mention of this role.

"It is ironic," grins Michel afterwards. "Lets face it... if we do vote no, everyone knows that it was France that was at the origin of this project.

"Giscard D'Estaing wrote the first words of the constitution. Now, if our people say no, we will be taken for jokers across the whole world. Actually I'm not sure whether that's funny."

Backstage after the show the comedians start discussing the constitution while they put away their costumes.

The debate soon escalates into an argument. Among the comedians there are two "Yes" voters and two supporters of the "No" camp.

Although they claim to be apolitical in their work, opinions here are as divided as throughout the rest of France.

BBC: France 'rejects EU constitution'
Sunday, 29 May, 2005, 20:15 GMT 21:15 UK

French voters have rejected the proposed EU constitution in Sunday's referendum, according to exit polls.
The polls give the "No" side 55% - in line with surveys published in the run-up to the vote ...