Marwah Rizqy Ignores Legal Notice Amid PLQ Crisis

The political crisis within the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) has escalated into a legal confrontation. Marwah Rizqy, the former parliamentary leader, has ignored a legal notice from Geneviève Hinse, her former chief of staff, who claims she was dismissed without valid reasons.

Details of the Legal Notice

On Wednesday afternoon, Hinse issued a notice demanding that Rizqy publicly acknowledge the lack of justification for her termination within 24 hours. Failure to comply would lead Hinse to seek compensation for the significant harm she alleges she has suffered. As the deadline expired, Rizqy had not made any public statement regarding the matter.

Current Situation

Rizqy was suspended from the PLQ caucus by Pablo Rodriguez, the party leader. While her legal team provided a written response to Hinse’s notice, its contents remain undisclosed. Rizqy has opted not to comment, citing the matter as a human resources issue.

Claims Against Rizqy

• Attorney Jacques Jeansonne alleges that Rizqy acted arbitrarily in terminating Hinse, claiming it violated constitutional custom.
• The notice emphasizes Rizqy’s failure to explain her decision, causing public speculation about the absence of valid reasons.
• Jeansonne proposes that in exchange for an acknowledgment of Hinse’s lack of justification, they would refrain from pursuing legal action.

Political Dynamics

Rodriguez suspended Rizqy due to a breach of trust, accusing her of dismissing Hinse without prior notice or explanations. It has been reported, through a Liberal source, that Rizqy is concerned about Hinse’s alleged misuse of public funds for partisan activities, which is prohibited.

Broader Implications

In an additional development, another legal notice has been sent by CAQ member Alice Abou-Khalil to Cogeco. She was implicated in messages suggesting that PLQ members received monetary rewards for supporting Rodriguez in his leadership bid. Both Abou-Khalil and Liberal member Sona Lakhoyan Olivier have denied these allegations.

This unfolding situation highlights the intense internal conflicts within the Quebec Liberal Party and raises questions regarding the ethical conduct of its members. The next steps will determine how the legal battles progress and impact the party’s reputation and structure.