The election campaign will officially start soon and five chiefs are courting voters. Here are the players in place and their biggest challenges ahead of the October 3rd election.
FRANÇOIS LEGAULT, CAQ: THE COMFORTABLE KING
Everyone wants their place on the throne, but they enjoy a huge lead in voting intentions.
Always in danger of slipping on banana peels as he seemed delighted at the death of the Montreal killer, the leader declined pre-election media interviews and invitations to various debates. While he plays it safe, his deputies pay him honeyed tributes in ads. At the moment there is no indication of new projects to mobilize Quebecers. It will be continuity after a COVID-hijacked half. We must give back to the monarch what is due to him: his portfolio commitments have been respected; he proves to be trustworthy on this issue.
DOMINIQUE ANGLADE, PLQ: THE LADY OF HEARTS IN DANGER
In contact with the sympathetic MNA for Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne, one senses in her a sincere desire to serve. On the other hand, the shift to the left she has imposed on her party and her change of tack in modernizing Bill 101 gives the impression that she is aiming for class president without a stable and clearly defined vision. The liberal clan crumbled under his feet.
She will have a lot to do to save the few French-speaking counties that have remained red since the 2018 debacle. At all costs, the chef must be sufficiently inspirational to win back a clientele who have gone elsewhere. Without winnings, she risks being shown the exit.
GABRIEL NADEAU-DUBOIS, QS: THE UNCERTAIN ACE
The ex-radical militant brilliantly adopted the codes and workings of the National Assembly. After becoming Speaker of Parliament, his first duels of values with François Legault, tinged with generational shock, placed him, in many eyes, in the seat of real opposition to the CAQ. Unfortunately, this appreciation success did not lead to a rush to the counters. Voting intentions are stagnating. GND has recruited good candidates to surround him. It embodies strong growth potential. Its challenge is to present a simple, realistic project that would allow its base to be broadened without distorting solidarity identity.
ÉRIC DUHAIME, PCQ: THE JOKER
The curator shakes up the chessboard and presents the most intriguing card. Intelligent and cunning, he mobilized angry citizens who no longer identify with other parties. Dissatisfaction with handling the pandemic has accelerated the growth of the PCQ at breakneck speed. We keep imagining him laughing into his beard. At the same time, the new character itself seems a little overwhelmed with his ascension, and some of his candidates have already caused some unease. A normalization of COVID could reduce its momentum. He has other cards in his deck.
PAUL ST-PIERRE PLAMONDON, PQ: THE CHAMBER OF CAUSE
More emotional than his opponents, the Knight of Independence must arm himself with his shield to avoid being swayed by defeatist predictions and polls. Jealous of viruses, he fails to make his beliefs and enthusiasm for the idea of the country contagious. He carries the torch of the giants who have preceded him when the flame is at its lowest. Other veteran members of the Crusade left the battlefield. The servant of the cause must stir up hope. And hope to convince the court that CAQ nationalism will forever face federal fortifications.
