Deense politiek overwegend voorstander van EU-grondwet (en)

Over half of the Danish people (54 percent) back the European Constitution, while only 17.4 percent would vote 'no' if a referendum were held today, a survey published by Danish Radio has revealed.

The poll, conducted by Catinét Research, showed that 28.6 percent have not yet made up their mind on the Constitution.

One of the traditionally eurosceptic parties, the Socialistic Left Party, yesterday (2 November) agreed a compromise with the Government and the main opposition Social Democrat party ensuring that Danish opt-outs from EU defence, Justice, Citizenship and the euro would not be submitted for a referendum together with the Constitution.

The leader of the party Holger K. Nielsen will argue for a 'yes' in the upcoming Danish referendum on the Constitution but his party is split on the issue.

An internal referendum among party-members in December will decide the final course of the party over the Constitution. The small party has often made the difference between 'yes' and 'no' votes in tight referenda on EU issues.

Social policies at the centre of discussion

It is hoped that the compromise will ensure social policies and taxation do not come under qualified majority voting in the EU.

Securing the traditional nordic welfare system is believed to be essential to get the backing of the Danes in the upcoming referendum.

Trine Pertou Mach from the Eurosceptic Junemovement however said the compromise was a 'sop'.

The leader of the pro-European party Nyt Europa, Steen Gade, also expressed doubts over the deal on social policies.

Denmark is set to vote on the Constitution in a referendum along with ten other EU countries, while other EU countries will leave the decision to their parliaments.