Monday, May 30 2005 16:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Paris: French voters massively rejected the EU's (European Union) first-ever constitution, dealing a rude slap in the face to President Jacques Chirac and a potentially fatal setback to the continent's ambitious plans for deeper political union.

In a national referendum yesterday (May 29, 2005) they voted by about 55 percent to 45 to turn down the constitution, according to three exit counts released as polls closed at 1330 hrs IST. The "no" win had been predicted, but the huge margin of the victory deepened a sense of crisis across the European Union.

Turnout was high, at between 70 and 8O percent, reflecting the intensity of the national debate.

"This is an ordeal, a real disappointment," said Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, while Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie called it, "A defeat for France and a defeat for Europe."

Chirac appeared on national television to "take note" of the constitution's rejection. He said he would continue to speak out for France in the EU, but said the decision "inevitably creates a difficult context for defending our interests in Europe."

Confirming predictions that he would reshuffle his cabinet, he said an announcement would be made in the coming days.

The result was a crushing blow to the 72-year-old president, who put his authority on the line with three televised appeals for a "yes" vote -- warning that rejection would marginalise France's voice in Europe and do nothing to safeguard its generous social model.