Quebec’s P.M Refusal to Resign, Leaves One Man Hungry by Markus Noé – February 6, 2011 9/12

Ottawa  ON – Les Quebecois just like the Egyptians, are having a difficult time ousting their leader.  The long time Premiere of Quebec, Jean Charest is the most unpopular Premiere since Robert Bourassa. In the mid 70’s Bourassa was pushed out of politics by the Parti Québécois under similar circumstances.  Since his re-election on 2008 Charest and his party have been bombarded with allegations of political wrong doing.
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The first major allegation came from Marc Bellemare. The ex-justice minister accused the Premiere of tampering with the judicial nomination process for political gain. A commission report was recently released clearing Charest of any wrong doing, which enraged many Quebecers. The report rejected all the allegations put forth by Bellemare.
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The most recent scandal, are allegations of severe corruption and collusion in the construction industry. This has fueled long time suspicion of organized crime interference throughout the Quebec construction industry. Now once again Charest opponents and perhaps even some of his peers are asking him to gracefully step aside.
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Just like Mubarak in Egypt, Charest is doing what he can to salvage his government. This week alone, in an attempt to gain some support back, Charest has shuffled his Cabinet and has replaced his senior staff.  To coincide with this Charest has also announced that he will briefly prorogue the legislature and return with a new inaugural speech.
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However, for one Columbian immigrant who now lives in Joliette, Que, this is not enough. After Charest refused the request for an inquiry into the construction industry, Pablo Lugo Herrera wrote a letter to the Premiere asking him to resign.  When the letter went unanswered Herrera vowed not to eat; he has been on a tap water only diet since this past Wednesday.
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Herrera, who was an independent candidate in the last provincial election, insists he is not involved with any opposition party. At the same time he stated he wishes the Liberals no ill will, he would just like to see Charest gone.
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It is evident in our political atmosphere that the common man’s voice is easily ignored. Too many politicians in any system have become overly adept at drowning out the demands of its constituents. However, do you think this independent candidate has gone overboard with his attempt to pressure Charest into resigning?

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