Sol Zanetti Takes Over from Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois as QS Spokesperson
Québec solidaire (QS) has appointed Sol Zanetti as the new co-spokesperson, succeeding Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois. Zanetti secured the position by receiving 50.4% of the votes during a recent party congress in Québec City.
Election Details
The election took place over the weekend, where members of QS voted on the new co-spokesperson. The voting occurred both in-person and online, starting on Tuesday and concluding on Saturday. This marked the first time that the election process was open to all party members.
Candidates for Co-Spokesperson
Alongside Sol Zanetti, two other candidates were in the running:
- Étienne Grandmont – sitting deputy with support among the QS deputies.
- Yv Bonnier Viger – a former candidate and specialist physician who expressed his readiness to serve without actively campaigning for election.
Campaign Focus
Sol Zanetti emphasized the importance of sovereignty in the QS narrative. He aims to unify the independentist movement with an inclusive approach to garner more support among immigrants.
Although he did not receive endorsements from other deputies, he was backed by former deputy Catherine Dorion and former co-spokesperson Émilise Lessard-Therrien. They both had previously challenged Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, who resigned in March.
Opposing Views
Étienne Grandmont advocated for uniting progressive forces and rebuilding ties between QS and labor unions as well as community organizations. Meanwhile, Yv Bonnier Viger called for appointing an extraparliamentary spokesperson to solidify party grassroots.
Unfolding Events
In March, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois announced he would resign from his leadership position and would not run in the upcoming 2026 elections. This came after a series of internal crises, including the departure of Émilise Lessard-Therrien.
On Sunday, QS members will vote on whether to support Ruba Ghazal in participating in the leader debates for the upcoming election. A decision will also be made regarding her potential candidacy for the position of Premier.
Further details will be forthcoming as developments occur within the party.
