Lucien Bouchard urges Parti Québécois leader to reconsider promise to hold referendum

By Canadian Press on August 21, 2025.

MONTREAL — Former Quebec premier Lucien Bouchard is advising the leader of the Parti Québécois to reconsider his promise to hold a sovereignty referendum in his first mandate if he becomes premier.

The former Bloc Québécois leader and Parti Québécois premier made the comments in a pair of interviews on Radio-Canada on Wednesday.

Bouchard says PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon should “think seriously” before maintaining his commitment to hold a referendum by 2030 if he wins next year’s election.

The former premier suggests it could be difficult for the PQ to be elected if a referendum becomes the central campaign issue, adding that such a framing would be a “gift” to the Quebec Liberals.

He also says the failed referendums in 1980 and 1995 led to painful setbacks for the sovereignty movement.

Bouchard says St-Pierre Plamondon should consider whether the population is ready for a referendum and whether there’s a reasonable chance the “yes” side would win.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2025.

The Canadian Press