RULING AUSTRIAN COALITION COLLAPSES OVER LISBON TREATY

EURACTIV:

Austria's government collapsed today (July 7) over contradictions between coalition partners on how to reform the health system and a highly controversial statement by Prime Minister Alfred Gusenbauer on holding referenda on future EU treaties.

Ironically, the first government to fall following the Irish 'no' was not the one led by Brian Cowen. Although not the only reason which prompted Austria's People's Party to leave the coalition government, the blunder by Gusenbauer - who said future EU treaties, including an amended Lisbon Treaty, should be subject to popular referenda - triggered dismay even within his own Social Democratic Party.

The conservatives strongly oppose popular votes on EU treaties. Even within his own camp, Gusenbauer was seen as playing a dangerous game, tapping into anti-EU sentiments.

• THE POLITICIANS ALL WANT TO BRING ABOUT THE EUSSR, BUT THE PEOPLE DON'T.
• I WONDER WHY!? HEH.
• IF THE POLITICIANS DON'T STOP TRYING TO RAM THE EUSSR DOWN THE PEOPLE'S THROATS, THERE'S GOING TO BE A MAJOR BACKLASH - AND IT WON'T BE PRETTY...