Lukewarm support for Michaelle Jean in Quebec as la Francophonie vote approaches
MONTREAL — With two weeks to go before la Francophonie names its new leader, former governor general Michaelle Jean is receiving only lukewarm support from Quebec’s political party leaders as she seeks a second term.
Jean has faced an uphill battle in securing another mandate as she battles questions about her expenses and a sentiment that someone from Africa should succeed her because of the number of countries from that continent in the organization of French-speaking nations.
In May, her campaign suffered a blow when French President Emmanuel Macron announced he would endorse Rwandan Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo to succeed Jean as secretary general.
But even in her home province of Quebec, Jean has failed to attract much support despite being the only Canadian in the race.