Québec Solidaire Leadership Candidates Face Off in a Calm Final Debate to Succeed GND
Candidates in the Québec Solidaire leadership race to succeed Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois took part in a calm final debate on Friday. This event allowed party members to gain insight into the aspirations of the candidates.
Key Candidates for Québec Solidaire Leadership
- Etienne Grandmont – Current Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Taschereau since 2022. He has received support from several party members, including Christine Labrie and Manon Massé. Grandmont emphasizes the need for inspiration from the newly elected progressive New York Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
- Sol Zanetti – MNA for Jean-Lesage since 2018, Zanetti has garnered backing from former MNAs, including Émilise Lessard-Therrien. He proposes fostering hope in environmental action by engaging artists to connect with the community.
- Yv Bonnier-Viger – A physician and former regional public health director, Bonnier-Viger is the only non-elected candidate. He stresses the importance of reconnecting with grassroots activism and building strong local associations.
Challenges Facing Québec Solidaire
The past two years have posed significant challenges for Québec Solidaire. Tensions arose after the publication of a critical book by former MNA Catherine Dorion, alongside the resignation of Émilise Lessard-Therrien shortly after her election as spokesperson. Nadeau-Dubois announced his departure, claiming he was worn down by various crises within the party.
Another controversy involved Haroun Bouazzi, the MNA for Maurice-Richard, who made contentious remarks regarding culture at the National Assembly. Moreover, notable figures like Christine Labrie and Manon Massé have announced they will not seek re-election.
The Path Forward for the New Leader
The new leader will face considerable hurdles, with Québec Solidaire currently polling at just 7% in voting intentions. This statistic indicates a sharp decline, as the party anticipates potentially losing seats in the upcoming elections. Presently, they hold 12 seats in the National Assembly.
As Ruba Ghazal, a current spokesperson, remarked, the upcoming year is crucial. She expressed confidence in overcoming challenges and emphasized that this congress marked a fresh start for Québec Solidaire.
The next spokesperson for Québec Solidaire will be announced on Saturday, providing a pivotal moment for the party’s future and direction.
