PARIS, April 14 -- Faced with growing public opposition to the proposed European Union constitution six weeks before it is put to a referendum, French President Jacques Chirac went on national television Thursday to press for a yes vote, saying rejection would make France the "black sheep of Europe."
"What would be the role of France tomorrow if we block this process?" he asked during a question-and-answer session with young people and journalists, broadcast from the Elysee Palace. "We will not be strong, and Europe would not be strong enough against the big powers."
Proponents of the constitution contend that it is crucial to making the European Union, an often internally divided alliance, more influential in world affairs. Among many Europeans, this means standing up to the United States.
Opinion polls show that the French are increasingly hostile toward the constitution, which would help the E.U., newly enlarged to 25 countries, make decisions more efficiently. The document also creates the powerful new posts of E.U. president and foreign minister.
A survey by the CSA polling institute, published in Thursday's Le Parisien newspaper, showed that 55 percent of respondents intend to reject the constitution in the May 29 referendum. It was the 12th consecutive poll showing the no vote in the lead.
Rejection by any member country would force withdrawal of the draft document and renegotiation of its terms. A no vote by France, a founding E.U. member with 60 million people, would be a particular blow to the document, and to Chirac and other French politicians who opted for a public vote rather than putting it before parliament.
Opponents here often say they view the constitution as an opening for unwelcome globalization of the French economy, loss of jobs to people from low-wage countries in Eastern Europe and inclusion of Turkey, a predominantly Muslim country, as a member.
But many analysts argue that opposition to the document is more an expression of dissatisfaction with Chirac's administration and the current economic malaise in France.
"A lot of people are simply saying no to the French government and the French president, which has nothing to do with Europe," said Dominique Moisi, a political analyst with the French Institute for International Relations.
In his remarks, Chirac sought to convince voters that irrational worries were standing in the way of the constitution, which he said would protect Europe from an "ultra-liberal" and "Anglo-Saxon" economic model, code words for American-style free-market capitalism.
"I'm always surprised to see this expression of fear," he said. "Europe needs to feel proud of itself and France in its principal role in defending our interests. This fear of young people I don't understand. I have confidence in France and our future."
If the constitution is defeated in the referendum, the government could request a second vote. But some analysts said it would be difficult to put the treaty before voters again if it is soundly rejected the first time.
