All so dreadfully familiar

"We are faced with an outpouring of state propaganda, funded with public money, and supported by almost every branch of the mainstream French media, all in the service of a Yes vote."

So claims French, right-wing Eurosceptic leader, Philippe de Villiers. Opposition to the constitution is being undermined by an onslaught of state-funded propaganda "worthy of Fidel Castro", he adds, warning supporters that they would face an "incredible bludgeoning" by the political and media élite.

This was at a rally of 250 supporters in Caen this week, reported by The Daily Telegraph today, with de Villiers noting that "On the radio, in the newspapers, on all television channels, there is just one single editorial voice: for the 'yes'".

He brandished a copy of the draft constitution that is being posted to all homes, along with an "explanatory" leaflet, that he said was biased in favour of the treaty. "It's unreadable, even with glasses, and that's not an accident," he told the crowd of small shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, and right-wing students.

"People are going to say, 'Oh, I can't read this, I'll just read this helpful synopsis'. It's a trick worthy of Fidel Castro," he said.

This is all so dreadfully familiar, and just a foretaste of what it will be like here when the referendum campaign starts (if it does). These scum really do not believe in democracy and nothing must be allowed to get in the way of their treasured project.