German ruling party wants to enable EU Constitution referendum

The European Union's largest member state, Germany, may hold a referendum on the EU Constitution if plans by the ruling Social Democrat Party (SDP) are carried out.

The leader of the SPD Franz Müntefering announced on Sunday (29 August) that in October or November a new bill should be put before the German parliament that would enable both citizens' initiative referenda and referenda called by the government.

Referring to the EU Constitution, Mr Müntefering said, "If such a law is...