European Parliament
Schlyter (Verts/ALE ).
(SV)
At least ten countries are to hold referendums on the Constitution. That is wise, because a constitution regulates the power wielded by politicians. Such power can only be given by the people, not taken away from them. I hope that my country will be the eleventh country to believe in democracy and let the people decide in a referendum.
The EU institutions must support the people and democracy by being neutral in what they have to say and by matter-of-factly pointing out the changes in respect of previous treaties. It is not the role of the institutions to engineer ‘yes’ votes in referendums but to provide people with a basis for taking a decision. Otherwise, the EU is failing to live up to its own democratic ideals. I am pleased that the Commission will not be funding campaigns but, if it does so, the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ sides must be given equal resources.

