“I WOULDN’T MENTION PARIS. IT’S POOR SALESMANSHIP:”

French media has dismissed as unconvincing President Jacques Chirac’s efforts to persuade his country to vote for the EU constitution in an upcoming referendum.

Meanwhile Friday, campaigners for a “no” vote accused Chirac of scaremongering by telling voters in a prime-time TV broadcast that France “could cease to exist politically” in the EU if they reject the charter on May 29.

The two-hour town hall-style meeting on Thursday evening marked the start of his push to promote the constitution, which is intended to reform EU decision-making after the admission of 10 new members last May.

However, the “no” campaign is leading in the opinion polls, and analysts suggested Chirac’s debate with 83 carefully selected young people would not reverse the trend.

There may be hope for Europe after all. More bad reviews here.