The European Constitution faces its first potential stumbling block on 29 May when France goes to the polls in what may prove to be an extremely tight contest.
The date of the referendum was announced from President Jacques Chirac's office in a statement on Friday (4 March).
Although French voters are generally in favour of the Constitution, the "no" campaign has steadily gained momentum since the beginning of 2005.
The latest survey shows the "yes" campaign 58-42 ahead b...
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