French lawmakers meet in special session on Monday to clear the way for a national vote on the EU constitution, amid fears a ministerial luxury apartment scandal could act as a lightning rod for opposition to the EU treaty. With all major parties backing changes in the French constitution needed before the EU treaty vote, President Jacques Chirac is assured of the required three-fifths majority at a joint session of parliament at Versailles, outside Paris. After the vote Chirac is expected swiftly to set a date for a nationwide referendum on the EU constitution, which is intended to streamline European Union decision-making following its enlargement from 15 members to 25. The treaty must be ratified by all member states and its rejection by a major country like France would plunge the Union into crisis. Chirac, who will be attending a Franco-Polish summit in the northern town of Arras during Monday's session, is urging voters to back the treaty, telling one 'No' campaigner on Saturday it would be "bloody stupid" to reject the constitution. "Shoot yourself in the foot if you want to, but don't complain afterwards," he said at an agricultural show in a typically pithy riposte underlining the high stakes. --More 1807 Local Time 1507 GMT
