QUEBEC — The Parti Québécois (PQ) will deliver on its promise to hold an independence referendum if elected, but not before 2029, party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said Tuesday. He stated that the party would wait for the current U.S. presidential term to end before proceeding with a vote.
Plamondon's comments came during a news conference in Quebec City, where he reiterated the PQ's commitment to sovereignty but emphasized the importance of timing. He argued that holding a referendum while Donald Trump is in the White House would be counterproductive, as the political climate in the United States could complicate Quebec's efforts to negotiate a partnership with its main trading partner.
The announcement drew immediate criticism from political opponents. Quebec Liberal Party leader Denis Coderre accused the PQ of delaying its core promise, while Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) leader François Legault dismissed the timeline as unrealistic and divisive. The PQ currently holds a lead in opinion polls, but the party has not yet specified a date for the referendum if it wins the next provincial election, which is scheduled for October 2026.
Political analysts note that the PQ's strategy reflects a cautious approach, aiming to avoid external interference in a sovereignty campaign. However, critics argue that waiting until 2029 could allow opposition parties to regroup and undermine the PQ's momentum.
