French Socialists Set Rules for EU Constitution Vote

French Socialists have set the rules for their important debate on the European Constitution scheduled for Dec.1. At a meeting over the weekend, the party, which is bitterly divided on whether to support the Constitution or not, set out the speaking times and the amount of money that would be allotted to both the yes and the no camp. French media are reporting the event as a duel between two men -- Francois Hollande (in favour of the Constitution) and former prime minister Laurent Fabius, who is vehemently opposed to it. Those against the Constitution argue that it will erode Europe's social model. A poll carried out for French daily Libération shows that 55 percent of respondents favour Hollande while 27 percent support Fabius. (EUobserver.com)