Spain says yes to European constitution

Spanish people have given the green light to the European Constitution with more than three-quarters saying 'Yes' in the consultative referendum.

According to data published by the Spanish Interior Ministry, 76.73 % said 'Yes' and 17.24 % said 'No' in Spain's referendum on the EU Constitution. In the non-binding vote held yesterday, 42.32 % of eligible Spanish voters went to the polls.

"Today has been a great day for all Europeans," Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero told journalists. But the opposition is arguing that the vote was a failure, pointing to a lower rate of participation than in last June's European elections (45%).

Lithuania, Hungary and Slovenia have already ratified the treaty. The Italian lower house has also done so although approval by the upper house is pending. Further referenda could be held this spring in the Netherlands, France and Portugal. The treaty must be ratified by all EU members to enter into force.

Source: spainmedia.com