The R Rated Blogger

French presidential candidate Segolene Royal has weighned in on the Quebec sovereignty issue.

The Socialist hopeful was asked about her thoughts on Quebec's national question after a short meeting with Parti Quebecois Leader Andre Boisclair in Paris on Monday.

Royal, who has never visited Quebec, said the province and France have common values, including "sovereignty and Quebec's freedom."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal Leader Stephane Dion and Quebec Premier Jean Charest have all taken Royal to task for her comments.

Harper: "Experience teaches that it is highly inappropriate for a foreign leader to interfere in the democratic affairs of another country,” he said.

"We look forward to marking the 400th anniversary of the founding of Canada at Quebec City with the next president of France. We expect in turn that the next president will display an understanding of our shared history, and the respect for Canada and Canadians that such an important partnership requires.”

Charest: "what I also know is that the future of Quebec will be decided by Quebecers. No one else."

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