A former sovereignist who voted “Yes” in 1995 is now considering running for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ). Nicolas Tétrault affirms that independence is no longer an issue and that in-depth reforms are needed in Quebec.
Although he was a candidate for the Parti Québécois (PQ) in 1994, at the age of 19, Nicolas Tétrault now claims that he is running for the Liberal leadership out of “opportunism”: according to him, the PLQ is the vehicle more likely to bring him to power.
For Mr. Tétrault, the Quebec model is “obsolete” and the “boat is sinking everywhere”.
Conservative affinities
Although he refuses to call himself politically on the right, the 49-year-old does not hide his support for the federal Conservative leader, Pierre Poilièvre.
Nicolas Tétrault even says he is considering a “circumstantial alliance” between the PLQ and the Conservative Party of Quebec (PCQ) of Éric Duhaime. According to him, these two political groups are the only ones to offer a breath of fresh air to Quebecers.
The one who is also a former municipal councilor in Montreal claims to be the candidate for change, unlike Denis Coderre, who would represent the “status quo” and “copy and paste”, according to him. The former mayor of Montreal is also considering running for the Liberal leadership.
During the interview with The Canadian Press, the Montreal entrepreneur insists that he wants to see less partisanship in Quebec politics. He even says he is ready to appoint ministers from among the opposition deputies.
Nicolas Tétrault plans to meet the PLQ this week to see if the leadership rules suit him. Otherwise, he plans to be a candidate for Pierre Poilievre’s conservatives or for mayor of Montreal.
The new leader of the PLQ will be elected in 2025.
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