Premier Bouchard Stepping Down

There were rumours circulating in the Internet of his decision to resign amidst controversy surrounding the MICHAUD affair. Premier Bouchard made the statement within his inner circle and his Deputy, Bernard Landry broke the news to the media.

The media in Quebec are speculating that Premier Bouchard's action was prompted in part by the division within the Parti Quebecois (PQ) in relation to Yves Michaud's anti-Jewish remark. Hardliners within the party support Yves Michaud causing a rift between the two sides of the PQ. Michaud's supporters include former Premier Jacques Parizeau.

The moderates within the party and most Quebecers want Bouchard to stay.