French referendum on EU constitution set for May 29

President Jacques Chirac has set May 29 as the date for France's referendum on the European constitution, his office announced Friday.

Chirac is an avid supporter of the charter and his decision to set an early date gives "no'' campaigners less time to gain momentum before the vote. Previously, Chirac had spoken about holding the vote before the summer.

Chirac hopes to put France on a fast track toward ratification and undercut what polls suggest is rising opposition to the treaty among the French. Polls still put the "yes'' vote ahead, but have also pointed to growing opposition.

The stakes are high for Chirac, who has wagered much political capital by calling the referendum and risks losing face with European Union partners if he fails to bring his compatriots into line.

French opponents claim the treaty would hand over too much sovereignty to Brussels or would jeopardize coveted labor protections in France.

Communists and the far-right National Front party are opposed.

Supporters argue that France's future lies in a Europe that is unified economically, politically and socially. Chirac's governing conservative party and the main opposition Socialist Party are both campaigning for "yes.''

Referendums in France have been tricky business. In a 1992 referendum campaign on the EU's Maastricht treaty, early polls indicated the French would vote largely in favor. But support faded, and the treaty passed by a mere 51-49 percent.