Marois has no regrets as she says goodbye after election defeat

QUEBEC – Pauline Marois says she has no regrets about anything as she bids farewell to a political career that spanned more than 30 years.

The outgoing Quebec premier says she is very proud of her government’s accomplishments between the fall of 2012 and the crushing election defeat last week that prompted her political departure.

An emotional Marois had to wipe away tears and ask someone for a tissue today as she read a statement and answered questions after a private meeting with incoming premier Philippe Couillard.

Marois said she was able to control government expenses, improve Quebec’s economy and defend the province’s interests over the last 18 months.

Asked about the state of the sovereigntist movement, Marois said there will always be Quebecers fighting for a country.

Couillard’s Liberals surged to a majority victory with 70 seats on April 7, while Marois’s Parti Quebecois finished second with 30 seats.