Luc Rabouin announces departure as leader of Projet Montréal enhancing the party’s future plans
Luc Rabouin has officially announced his resignation as the leader of Projet Montréal following a defeat in the recent mayoral election. His loss to Soraya Martinez Ferrada of Ensemble Montréal marks a significant shift in Montreal’s political landscape. With this election, Projet Montréal concludes its eight-year tenure in city leadership.
Details of the Election and Leadership Transition
The election took place Sunday, resulting in a historic victory for Martinez Ferrada, an immigrant from Chile. At 57 years old, Rabouin expressed his decision to step down as party leader “in the coming days” while taking full responsibility for the electoral loss.
Rabouin’s Campaign and Vision
Throughout his campaign, Rabouin emphasized his commitment to addressing crucial issues in Montreal, including:
- Tackling homelessness through transitional housing initiatives.
- Increasing the supply of social housing.
- Reviving tramway projects in the East End.
- Centralizing construction planning processes.
- Enhancing the city’s resilience to climate change.
Rabouin sought to position himself as a knowledgeable leader, having spent the previous six years on the executive committee managing city finances. However, many voters appeared to seek a refreshed perspective.
Challenges Faced During the Campaign
During his campaign, Rabouin attempted to balance his proposals for addressing Montreal’s pressing issues with defending controversial policies. These included:
- Expansion of bike lanes.
- Infrastructure projects yielding numerous roadwork sites.
- Restrictions on short-term rentals.
These policies were initially introduced under the administration of Valérie Plante, the former mayor and leader of Projet Montréal.
The End of an Era for Projet Montréal
The recent election signifies the end of Projet Montréal’s leadership at city hall, which began with Plante’s historic victories in 2017 and 2021. Rabouin succeeded Plante as party leader after she announced she would not pursue a third term.
Previously, Rabouin served two terms as borough mayor for Plateau—Mont-Royal. He first assumed office in 2019 following Luc Ferrandez’s resignation, earning re-election in 2021 with nearly 75% of the vote.
As Rabouin steps down, it remains to be seen how Projet Montréal will navigate this political transition and what future plans they will implement to reshape their strategy in a changed political environment.
