The Sacred Pilgrimage

Picture of Solidarity

 The pilgrimage has been made.  From Quebec's latest premier to the seat of the French language and culture and history; Pauline Marois simperingly succeeded in persuading French President Francois Hollande to commit to the traditional support of the home country for its lost foundling in the New World.

His predecessor President Sarkozy was utterly useless at the game, preferring to present as a responsible administrator of his own country, with a hands-off approach to another country, quite unlike the unforgettable Charles DeGaulle.  Who, unfortunately, inspired most of those who followed him. 

Inciting all those Quebec premiers who continue to resent the great sea of the Anglophone majority in which it remains a pathetic misunderstood island of resistance, that France is on their side. A plaque commemorating those official visits by the avid separatists will now have Premier Marois's name added to it.

"It is not easy to say that I am worthy", the good lady murmured, heartily reassured by the speaker of the French National Assembly "You will be worthy ... You are the first woman premier (of Quebec)." Ah, yes; that much is certainly true.  And little more.

When the two Premier leftists emerged from their tete-a-tete with hugs and smooches President Hollande chose to veer very sharply from his predecessor's "ni, ni ...("non-interference"), with the statesman-worthy declaration that "the world does not need another division", to his own more nuanced stand - oops fence-sitting.

Premier Hollande behaves quite clearly as though he feels constrained by the dignity of his position and to do honour to tradition to give the Quebec premier reassurances that France would be "always by our side", with the additional assurance that "the relationship of solidarity would continue".  Delighting Madme Marois no end.

As emphasis of this very special relationship, a head-of-state protocol was extended to Madame Marois as President Hollande chivalrously met her at the steps of the Elysee Palace.

Canada's latest nemesis is France's reason for gallantry.

Premier Marois informed President Hollande that she must move forward with caution given her minority status government.  However, there will be no rest for the righteous and the momentum will be forward: "We will defend our fields of jurisdiction" she pledged.