No referendum with Trump around, says PQ ahead of October election
Quebec political leader St-Pierre Plamondon has ruled out holding a referendum on independence until after Donald Trump's second term ends in 2029. He aims to avoid the influence of American political volatility on the province's future.
Why it matters
The decision highlights how international political figures and trade tensions can influence domestic sovereignty movements and election strategies.
In a news release, St-Pierre Plamondon said he wants to avoid having the issue "hijacked by the ups and downs of American politics."
"An issue as crucial as the political future of Quebec requires conditions that allow for an informed and calm debate," the PQ leader said.
He said the next government will be faced with "more than enough challenges" without calling a referendum.
"So I decided to completely defuse the argument that this would be the worst time to think about our future because of Trump, by ruling out the possibility of holding a referendum by the end of his second term," St-Pierre Plamondon explained.
Trump's second term is set to end on Jan. 20, 2029.
St-Pierre Plamondon said that, if elected, he would still consult Quebecers on the issue of independence during his first mandate, but only after Trump leaves office.
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