SWEDEN: Sweden's Prime Minister, Mr Göran Persson, has silenced government officials who were expressing support for the anti-euro side of a debate that has been gathering steam.
What seemed like an open discussion in the run-up to a September 14th referendum has become controversial since Mr Persson issued an ultimatum to two ministry under-secretaries, saying if they didn't quit the No campaign, they would lose their jobs. Both have chosen to stay in government, media reports say.
While the ruling Social Democrats are officially in favour of joining the European single currency, five of the 22 cabinet ministers are opposed. Critics of Mr Persson's clampdown say that at the party congress that endorsed euro membership last autumn, it was clearly agreed opponents would be allowed to speak out during the referendum campaign.
Instead those opponents are now being threatened to toe the party line or lose their jobs. The party leadership cannot "accept those who pursue a campaign against the party line", Mr Persson was quoted as saying.
But the prime minister's most notable opponent is his own Trade and Industry minister, Mr Leif Pagrotsky. Whether Mr Pagrotsky continues his criticism remains to be seen.
Mr Persson's muzzling tactics have surprised party and public alike. Most people demand a clear debate instead of threats towards euro-sceptics.
The prime minister's crackdown has been widely perceived as undemocratic, raising concerns that more people will join the No side. Latest opinion polls suggest that opposition has strengthened, with some 50 per cent now saying No.