François Legault is intensifying his efforts to conquer the traditional Liberal territories of Montreal during the election on October 3.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister and leader of the Coalition avenir Québec announced two candidacies in ridings won by two Liberal MPs in 2018, namely those of Verdun, occupied by Isabelle Melançon, and Maurice-Richard, held by the former minister. Marie Montpetit, who now sits as an independent after being disavowed by the leader of her party, Dominique Anglade.
“These are two ridings that have been taken for granted by the Liberal Party, let’s say it like it is, for far too long,” said François Legault, introducing Audrey Murray, who will carry his banner in Maurice-Richard, and Véronique Tremblay. , which will do the same in Verdun.
Montreal “due for a change”
The Coalition avenir Québec currently only holds two seats on the island of Montreal and François Legault, who has been multiplying the announcements of female candidates for some time, does not hide his ambitions vis-à-vis the metropolis. “It is clear that indeed […] the Liberal Party has had a lot of space in Montreal for a long time. I think one would be due for a change. »
He can certainly aspire to delight Maurice-Richard in the PLQ since the riding, formerly named Crémazie, is not a strong Liberal castle. Marie Montpetit was only re-elected there with 530 majority votes in 2018. However, it was Québec solidaire and not the CAQ that ranked second. Ms. Montpetit had herself removed the seat from the Parti Québécois in 2014, after three PQ mandates.
“I am a real 514! launched Audrey Murray when announcing her candidacy. The lawyer said she wanted to “amplify the voice of Montreal within the Coalition avenir Québec”.
Verdun: red territory
In Verdun, the task will be more difficult for Véronique Tremblay, who finds herself abandoning her position as municipal councilor in this borough. Isabelle Melançon won her seat with a comfortable lead of nearly 5,600 votes in 2018 in this constituency painted red since its creation in 1965.
At a press conference, Ms. Tremblay had to defend herself from being opportunistic, she who had first been elected with Denis Coderre’s team in 2017 before going to Valérie Plante’s camp for the 2021 election. .
“We’re going to burst the abscess right away,” she said. You know, I am at the service of citizens and I go where I think I can serve well. »