Dutch sceptics set to send unpopular constitution up in smoke

From behind the counter of the Sky High coffee shop, through a haze of marijuana smoke, Sebastian explains what he thinks of the European constitution. "It sucks," he says, promising to vote "no" in a referendum today which is likely to deal a fatal blow to a treaty negotiated over two and a half years and signed by 25 EU leaders.

From behind the counter of the Sky High coffee shop, through a haze of marijuana smoke, Sebastian explains what he thinks of the European constitution. "It sucks," he says, promising to vote "no" in a referendum today which is likely to deal a fatal blow to a treaty negotiated over two and a half years and signed by 25 EU leaders.

Across the Netherlands - a founder member of the EU - yesterday was the final day of campaigning before the nation's first referendum in modern history.

But so dire are the polls that the "yes" campaign was barely going through the motions yesterday. There was hardly a referendum poster in sight in central Rotterdam let alone any evidence that politicians were trying to turn back the tide.

Some of the reasons for opposing the constitution doing the rounds of the Sky High coffee shop are based on myth - for example, that the constitution would impose a single legal system which would outlaw the sale of soft drugs.

But there is also a sense of cynicism with the government and politicians; the constitution is, Sebastian says, "a way for politicians to get more power". As in France, the Dutch referendum has been seized on by voters as a chance to punish an unpopular government. Turkey's bid to join the EU is also unpopular, particularly in Rotterdam where immigrants make up 30 per cent of the population and half of all those under 18.

"People are afraid of Turkey becoming a member of the EU - it is a really big issue," says Peter van Heemst, local MP for the opposition Labour PvdA party which supports the treaty.

But there are big differences between France and the Netherlands. The Dutch are less worried about free-market reforms and loss of social protection.

In the Netherlands the arguments of the British style Eurosceptics - who claim the national identity is under threat - have had much more impact.

Meanwhile, many Dutch "no" voters have been motivated by fears the constitution would increase the powers of the big EU states - notably France and Germany - at the expense of the smaller nations. Voters were also infuriated by recent revelations that the guilder was undervalued when the euro conversion was made. And there is resentment at the Netherlands high per capita EU contributions.

Aside from the large majority of the "no" vote predicted for tonight's result, turnout is likely to be low, another symptom of voter alienation.

Back at the Sky High coffee shop, Sebastian is sure that many of his customers will give the polling stations a miss; "I think they are going to stay home and smoke a joint," he says.