Possible political comeback: Philippe Couillard criticizes Pierre Karl Péladeau

News 24 February, 2018

PHOTO BY TOMA ICZKOVITS/QMI AGENCY

Marc-André Gagnon

Saturday, 24 February, 2018 14:38

UPDATE
Saturday, 24 February, 2018 14:43

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WASHINGTON | The doubt that casts Pierre Karl Péladeau as to a possible return to politics generates “an uncomfortable situation,” said premier Philippe Couillard.

“It is quite particular that someone who is so strongly and clearly camped out politically is also the leader of one of the largest media groups in Québec,” said Mr. Couillard, when questioned about it by a reporter at his balance sheet of mission in Washington.

Photo By Marc-André Gagnon

Philippe Couillard attended, Saturday morning, at the opening ceremony of the meeting is the winter National Governor’s Association (NGA), which is taking place in Washington.

“I don absolutely no doubt as to the competence and ethics of journalists who work in his group, but on its face, this is an uncomfortable situation. I would say like this,” added the liberal leader.

During an interview with Mario Dumont on the waves of LCN, Friday, the CEO of Quebecor, which is among other things owner of the Newspaper and the TVA network, has again left the door wide open for a political comeback.

To the voters to decide

The ex-leader of the Parti québécois, which is said to be “in reserve” of the republic, in January last, was this time left to hover the possibility to return as early as this year, in view of the general elections of October.

“God only knows, has repeated Mr. Péladeau. […] Thing is for certain, today, tomorrow, and next week, I am CEO of Quebecor, certainly in the next month. Now, that is what the future holds for us?”

Ultimately, “it is his decision, then what are the Quebecers and the voters who will decide”, considers Mr. Couillard.

Pierre Karl Péladeau, who was initially rather discreet, after having abandoned his duties as a member of Saint Jerome and leader of the Parti québécois, in may 2016, has begun in December last, to multiply the comments about politics, especially on social networks.