MONTREAL -- A student protest designed to send an anti-government message in the midst of a Quebec election campaign was broken up by riot police Wednesday.
The protesters had been blocking the entrance to the Hydro-Quebec power utility building. After several objects were tossed at police officers, the crowd was forced to disperse.
The protesters voiced their opposition not only to the Charest government's tuition hikes, but also to its increase in electricity rates. They belonged to the more militant Quebec student federation, the CLASSE.
The riot squad moved in and chased the 200-odd demonstrators down a busy downtown boulevard. Some people dressed in black and wearing masks tried to get into building by the back, but they were dispersed again.
The events unfolded at a politically unpredictable juncture: during an election campaign, and on a week where students are holding votes on whether to extend their strikes.
It's unclear whether the students will choose to head back to class -- and how that decision might affect the election campaign.
It has been accepted as conventional wisdom in Quebec that continued unrest might encourage voters to re-elect the Charest Liberals out of spite.
But the premier has downplayed such talk. He said Wednesday that more unrest is the "last thing" he wants, as a political leader and as a father.
But Jean Charest says he expects students to respect the law, and for teachers to teach. His controversial Bill 78 imposes stiff fines on anyone who blocks a school, as protesters did in some cases last spring.
"It's time to bring everyone back to their responsibilities, and duties, as citizens," Charest told a campaign news conference.
"The law says what? It says a Quebec student has a right to an education and the right to enter his classroom. Is that too much to ask?... I don't think so."
Protester Danick Bonette said it is important that students not throw in the towel.
"We are going to stand up for what we think is right for society and for students," he said.
"I'm aware of what people are saying but if we go calmly back to school he (Charest) is going to say 'With my law, I put everything back in order.'
"It's kind of a win-win situation for him so we have to do what is best. And that's why students are divided. Some of us think we need to continue, some of us think we need to stop for the election."
