Danish referendum on the European Constitution
Encyclopedia
The Danish referendum on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe was a planned referendum
to be held on 27 September 2005, that would have put the proposed Constitution
to the voters of Denmark
for ratification
. However, after voters voted down the Constitution in both the French and Dutch referendums before the Danish vote could take place, Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen
indicated that the referendum would be cancelled. On April 24, 2008 the Danish parliament
ratified the Treaty's successor, the Treaty of Lisbon
without a referendum.
A November 2004 opinion poll indicated that 49% of Danes were expected to vote in favour of the Constitution, with 26% opposing. However, some feel that the domino effect
of the successful "no" votes in France and the Netherlands may have reduced the strength of the "yes" side in Denmark. Indeed, polls in June 2005 indicated a likely defeat for the constitution.
, supported the European constitution with the exception of the Danish People's Party
and the Red-Green Alliance
. These two parties together held 30 seats out of 179 in the Parliament.
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
to be held on 27 September 2005, that would have put the proposed Constitution
Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe
The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe , , was an unratified international treaty intended to create a consolidated constitution for the European Union...
to the voters of Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
for ratification
Ratification
Ratification is a principal's approval of an act of its agent where the agent lacked authority to legally bind the principal. The term applies to private contract law, international treaties, and constitutionals in federations such as the United States and Canada.- Private law :In contract law, the...
. However, after voters voted down the Constitution in both the French and Dutch referendums before the Danish vote could take place, Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Anders Fogh Rasmussen is a Danish politician, and the 12th and current Secretary General of NATO. Rasmussen served as Prime Minister of Denmark from 27 November 2001 to 5 April 2009....
indicated that the referendum would be cancelled. On April 24, 2008 the Danish parliament
Folketing
The Folketing , is the national parliament of Denmark. The name literally means "People's thing"—that is, the people's governing assembly. It is located in Christiansborg Palace, on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen....
ratified the Treaty's successor, the Treaty of Lisbon
Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon of 1668 was a peace treaty between Portugal and Spain, concluded at Lisbon on 13 February 1668, through the mediation of England, in which Spain recognized the sovereignty of Portugal's new ruling dynasty, the House of Braganza....
without a referendum.
A November 2004 opinion poll indicated that 49% of Danes were expected to vote in favour of the Constitution, with 26% opposing. However, some feel that the domino effect
Domino effect
The domino effect is a chain reaction that occurs when a small change causes a similar change nearby, which then will cause another similar change, and so on in linear sequence. The term is best known as a mechanical effect, and is used as an analogy to a falling row of dominoes...
of the successful "no" votes in France and the Netherlands may have reduced the strength of the "yes" side in Denmark. Indeed, polls in June 2005 indicated a likely defeat for the constitution.
Positions of political parties
Most political parties in the Danish Parliament, the FolketingFolketing
The Folketing , is the national parliament of Denmark. The name literally means "People's thing"—that is, the people's governing assembly. It is located in Christiansborg Palace, on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen....
, supported the European constitution with the exception of the Danish People's Party
Danish People's Party
The Danish People's Party is a political party in Denmark which is frequently described as right-wing populist by political scientists and commentators. The party is led by Pia Kjærsgaard...
and the Red-Green Alliance
Red-Green Alliance (Denmark)
The Red-Green Alliance is a socialist political party in Denmark.- History :The party was formed in 1989 as an electoral alliance by three left-wing parties, Left Socialists , Communist Party of Denmark and Socialist Workers Party...
. These two parties together held 30 seats out of 179 in the Parliament.