Dutch PM pleads for EU 'Yes' vote

Jan Peter Balkenende hopes the vote will not be used as a protest

Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has urged Dutch voters to approve the EU constitution in Wednesday's referendum.

He told the Algemeen Dagblad daily that a rejection would undermine the Netherlands' international reputation.

The call came the day before France hold its national referendum on the proposed European constitution.

In both countries polls suggest that most people intend to vote "No", despite strong backing for the charter by the main parties.

The Dutch vote is purely consultative. However politicians have said they will take the result into consideration when it comes to a parliamentary vote.

QUICK GUIDE

The EU constitution

In an interview published on Saturday, Mr Balkenende told Algemeen Dagblad he would find it difficult to explain a Dutch "No" to other EU leaders.

"They see our country as a champion of European integration, as a country which has always played a constructive and critical role," he said.

"That reputation is on the line."

An opinion poll conducted by Maurice de Hond for Dutch TV on Saturday suggested that 57% were opposed to the constitutional treaty, and 43% were in favour - showing little change from other surveys in recent days.

Eurosceptic tide

In an interview with another newspaper, De Telegraaf, Mr Balkenende said voters who disagreed with his government should express their opposition in the 2007 election.

The Netherlands is one of the EU's founding members, and support for the bloc has traditionally been strong among the Dutch.

However, tensions over immigration and the high financial cost of EU membership have led to increasing Euroscepticism ahead of the poll.

The main political parties, including the governing Christian Democrats, say they will take the result into account if turnout exceeds 30%.

The Dutch Socialist Party and some far-right parties are campaigning for a "No" vote.

The referendum must be approved by all 25 members to take effect. Analysts say a "No" in France and the Netherlands would be a serious blow to the EU.