In a surprising turn of events in Arthabaska, Denis Coderre has publicly endorsed Éric Duhaime, calling on Liberals and federalists in the region to support the Conservative leader. This endorsement, revealed during a press conference in Victoriaville, could significantly impact the political landscape in this constituency.
Coderre, a prominent figure in Quebec politics and former mayor of Montreal, emphasized the importance of diverse political voices in the National Assembly. He stated, “Every party leader, no matter who they are, has the right to sit in the Assembly.” By urging Liberals not to field a candidate in the upcoming by-election, he suggested that this could not only facilitate Duhaime’s election but also save the party money. “The PLQ won’t get 10% if they run someone,” Coderre boldly asserted, underscoring his belief that the Liberals would fare poorly in this election.
Éric Duhaime appeared visibly pleased with Coderre’s endorsement, regarding him as a defender of democracy. “We must come together as democrats in Quebec,” said Duhaime, appreciating Coderre’s commitment to prioritizing democratic principles over partisanship. Coderre’s willingness to put aside party lines for the sake of democracy received high praise from Duhaime, who acknowledged the importance of such actions in maintaining a healthy political discourse.
However, Coderre’s political aspirations have not been without challenges. He recently sought the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec, but his candidacy was rejected due to financial entanglements with the tax authorities, leading to his considerable discontent with the party. Reports indicate that he has outstanding taxes owed to both the provincial and federal governments, which raises questions about his credibility in political matters.
This upcoming by-election will not only feature Duhaime and the Conservatives but also the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and the Parti Québécois (PQ). The PQ candidate, Alex Boissonneault, a former journalist with Radio-Canada, is looking to make history in Arthabaska, where the voters have not sent a PQ representative to the National Assembly in over 25 years. Québec Solidaire is fielding Pascale Fortin, while the CAQ and the Liberals have yet to announce their candidates.
Arthabaska has been a stronghold for the CAQ since 2012, and the political dynamics are shifting as we approach the by-election. Coderre’s call for Liberals to support Duhaime could work to consolidate the conservative vote in this region, potentially altering long-standing voting patterns. Notably, in the 2022 provincial elections, the Conservative candidate Tarek Henoud secured the second position with 25% of the votes, indicating a growing appetite for conservative governance in the area.
The government has until September to call this by-election, creating a robust timeline for the political parties involved. As the political scene evolves, the support and endorsement from established figures like Denis Coderre could be pivotal for candidates like Éric Duhaime. The unity among conservatives and the absence of a Liberal challenger may reshape the electoral landscape in Arthabaska, making the upcoming elections a thrilling one to watch.
In conclusion, the endorsement from Denis Coderre to Éric Duhaime marks a significant and potentially transformative moment in the political scene of Arthabaska. With the by-election drawing near, all eyes will be on how this endorsement impacts the voting dynamics. As candidates prepare to present their visions for the future, the electorate’s response will ultimately determine the direction of Arthabaska’s representation in the National Assembly.
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