Québec Liberal Party Struggles in By-election: A Setback for Marc Tanguay
A Disappointing Result
In the recent by-election held in the Jean-Talon constituency in Québec, the interim leader of the Québec Liberal Party (PLQ), Marc Tanguay, faced a significant setback. Tanguay conceded that his party is no longer seen as an alternative government by the Québécois population. With his candidate, Élise Avard Bernier, finishing in 4th place with just under 9% of the votes, Tanguay acknowledged the defeat and expressed his disappointment.
The by-election saw Pascal Paradis of the Parti Québécois (PQ) emerge as the winner with 44% of the votes, followed by Marie-Anik Shoiry of Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) with 21%, and Olivier Bolduc of Québec Solidaire (QS) with 17%. The Conservatives, represented by Éric Duhaime, managed to secure 6% of the votes.
The Path to Becoming the Alternative Government
Acknowledging the need for a turnaround, Tanguay emphasized the importance of the upcoming leadership race for the party. The rules for the race are set to be announced in mid-October in Drummondville. Tanguay believes that the leadership contest will be crucial for the revitalization of the Liberal Party. Until then, he acknowledged that they remain the official opposition.
Tanguay, who has already stated that he will not be a candidate to replace former leader Dominique Anglade, sees the victory of Pascal Paradis and the Parti Québécois as a contribution to the Liberal Party. He believes that the population of Jean-Talon primarily wanted to rid themselves of the Coalition Avenir Québec and that this demonstrates the opposition’s efforts to showcase the current government’s inconsistencies.
Leadership Test for Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois?
Meanwhile, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, the parliamentary leader of Québec Solidaire and co-spokesperson for the party, does not believe that their disappointing results in the by-election lead to a reassessment of his ability to lead his party to victory. Nadeau-Dubois pointed out that their party recently won a by-election in the Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne constituency, where Guillaume Cliche-Rivard succeeded Dominique Anglade after her resignation.
Nadeau-Dubois expressed his optimism for the future of Québec Solidaire, stating that they have an upcoming congress where they will select the members who will then choose his co-spokesperson. He assured that he will be a candidate in the 2026 elections. Nadeau-Dubois attributes their poor performance in Jean-Talon, falling from second place in the 2022 vote to third place in 2023, to insufficient voter turnout among young people. He emphasized the need to build bridges with other generations and address the cost of living, a significant issue for all age groups.
Editorial: Assessing the Political Landscape
A Tale of Two Parties
The recent by-election in the Jean-Talon constituency has shed light on the struggles of the Québec Liberal Party and Québec Solidaire in positioning themselves as the alternative governing party. While the Liberals face internal challenges with their leadership race on the horizon, Québec Solidaire is navigating the need to connect with a broader range of voters and bridge the generation gap.
The Dilemma for the Liberals
The disappointing performance of the Québec Liberal Party in Jean-Talon is indicative of the party’s decline in popularity and public trust. No longer seen as the government-in-waiting, the party faces an uphill battle to regain the confidence of the Québécois population. The upcoming leadership race will be a critical opportunity to revitalize the party and redefine its vision and policies.
It is essential for the Liberals to capitalize on this moment to reconnect with voters by presenting a clear alternative to the current government. They must address the concerns and aspirations of the Québécois people, showcasing their ability to govern effectively and responsibly. The leader who emerges from the race must inspire confidence and rally the party behind a compelling vision for the province’s future.
Reaching Out to New Generations
In contrast, Québec Solidaire’s challenge lies in broadening their appeal beyond their traditional base of support. The party’s performance in Jean-Talon, where they dropped from second to third place, points to the need to actively engage with young voters and establish a connection with other age groups. Their message must resonate across generations, with a focus on issues such as the cost of living, which affect all Québécois.
The upcoming congress for Québec Solidaire presents an opportunity for the party to reflect on their strategy and messaging. They must identify ways to bridge the generation gap and build stronger alliances with diverse communities. The internal debate about their co-spokesperson and the challenges of defining their shared vision for the future will be key in determining their success moving forward.
Advice: Charting a New Course
For the Liberals
The Québec Liberal Party must seize the moment and use the upcoming leadership race as a platform for renewal. They should reflect on the reasons for their decline and address the concerns that have led to their loss of public trust. The new leader should articulate a clear and compelling vision for Québec, focusing on tangible policies that address the pressing issues faced by its citizens. The party should strive to rebuild its image as a viable alternative to the current government by demonstrating integrity, competence, and an innovative approach to governance.
For Québec Solidaire
Québec Solidaire should take a critical look at their messaging and strategy to ensure they appeal to a broader base of support. The party must make a concerted effort to engage with young voters and increase voter turnout among this demographic. They should also aim to forge stronger connections with other age groups, emphasizing shared values and concerns. Québec Solidaire must present a compelling vision for Québec’s future, focusing on issues that resonate with all generations.
Conclusion
The recent by-election in Jean-Talon has presented both the Québec Liberal Party and Québec Solidaire with valuable lessons and challenges. The Liberals must redefine themselves as the alternative governing party, while Québec Solidaire must broaden their appeal and build bridges with other age groups. The upcoming leadership race and congress for each party will be crucial in charting their respective courses and reshaping the political landscape in Québec.
<< photo by cottonbro studio >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
