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Article: Showdown for Separatism; Bouchard, Charest Set for Campaign to Decide Quebec's Future
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- September 28, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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After years of bitter personal rivalry and shadowboxing over
Quebec independence, two of Canada's most charismatic politicians --
Lucien Bouchard and Jean Charest -- are preparing to square off in a
heavyweight electoral bout that could well decide the future of the
Canadian federation.
Not since the 1970s have the opposing sides on the Quebec
issue found champions with such drive, intelligence and raw
political skills. And with voters across Quebec and Canada weary of
the issue after nearly 30 years of acrimonious debate, the contest
is seen as the last hope for the separatist cause.
Bouchard, 60, and Charest, 40, were hailed as saviors when
they answered the call to return home ...