Two Liberal MPs confessed Thursday to think about entering the race for the permanent leadership of the party. The member for LaFontaine, Marc Tanguay, was chosen Thursday as interim leader of the political formation.
Elected officials André Fortin and Monsef Derraji both gave up on the position of interim leader, in the morning, while leaving the door wide open to a candidacy for the permanent leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ).
“I didn’t come here this morning to close the door [à une course à la direction] said Mr. Fortin when asked about his intentions to get started. “I’m thinking about it,” Mr. Derraji said in English.
“Debate of ideas”
In the eyes of André Fortin, the role of interim leader “remains incompatible” with the leadership of the PLQ, because it does not allow the expression of “new ideas, bold ideas” and “to stir up the party a little” … which is why he rejects the interim that several analysts saw him occupy.
“After the election campaign, I was not interested. Five days ago, before the resignation of Dominique Anglade, I was not interested. I admit that today, my thinking has not changed, ”he said, before launching into a lyrical flight on the role of permanent leader.
“We need to redefine the Liberal Party, we need a vision,” he said. We really need to explain to Quebecers who we are and to take the party elsewhere. […] Me, I have some ideas. »
Without confirming in black and white that he will embark on a leadership race when it is triggered, Mr. Fortin indicated Thursday that he was starting a tour of Quebec. “I’m going to be at the Maniwaki Chamber of Commerce this weekend. The only MP from the regions in the Liberal caucus, he intends to bring a “unique” vision. Appointing a leader “who understands the regions, who knows what it’s like to live in the region” will be important, he argued.
Monsef Derraji already has support. “There are a lot of people who encourage me to move forward,” said the man who, in the last term, held the important role of health spokesperson for the PLQ. He wants a “debate of ideas” during the leadership race, but does not officially commit to launching.
“Getting back to basics is very important. Listen to our activists, return to field work, ”said Mr. Derraji on Thursday.
“The party executive has in its hands the rules for the next race, once those rules […] unveiled, there, I will reveal my interest, ”he continued.
Further details will follow.