Quebec separatist says no independence referendum while Trump in office

The leader of Quebec's main secessionist party has declared that a referendum on independence will not be held as long as Donald Trump remains in the White House. Parti Quebecois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon stated Tuesday that the discussion surrounding Quebec's sovereignty can only proceed calmly once Trump is no longer president.

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It must not be hijacked by the upheavals of American politics, nor by the outbursts of an unpredictable president, nor by fear campaigns.

Plamondon expressed concern that the independence debate could be hijacked by the "upheavals of American politics," Trump's "outbursts," or "fear campaigns." He believes the unpredictability of the U.S. administration would harm the process and the quality of the debate on Quebec's future as a nation.

Quebec is scheduled to hold its next provincial election by October 5. The Parti Quebecois is aiming to gain seats and Plamondon affirmed his intention to seek an independence referendum should his party emerge victorious. However, he indicated that such a vote would be postponed until later in the four-year term, specifically after Trump's second term concludes in January 2029.

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This unpredictability of the American administration will harm our process as well as the quality of the debate on our future as a nation.

St-Pierre Plamondon's decision reflects the complex relationship between Quebec's sovereignty movement and U.S. politics. Trump's presidency has been marked by controversial statements and actions, including tariffs on Canadian goods and speculation about encouraging secessionist movements in Canadian provinces. Experts suggest that the economic benefits of remaining within Canada might appear more appealing to Quebecers amidst such international turbulence, making a referendum during Trump's tenure particularly risky.

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Triggering [a referendum on independence] while Trump remains in the White House would have been particularly risky.