The Legault government is facing a breathtaking political storm. In recent months, he has made questionable decisions, triggering the mobilization of various interest groups, such as unions, mayors, non-profit organizations, etc.
It is possible that the government underestimated the scale of this mobilization, but the consequences are becoming increasingly costly, both politically and financially.
The genesis
It all started with the burial of the third link project last April, symbolized by blows from the school bag. This decline left a significant mark, not only among voters in the Quebec region, but also in the confidence that Quebecers placed in the Prime Minister. This decision, poorly explained, poorly communicated and poorly managed, also shook the cohesion of the CAQ caucus, which felt betrayed and manipulated.
The political strategy seemed simple and predictable: announce the necessary bad news during the first months of the mandate, in the hope of gradually having it forgotten as the elections approach. This implied, roughly speaking, politically sacrificing the first months of the mandate. The government even took the opportunity to increase the salaries of MPs, an unpopular measure. Between the third link, the problems at the SAAQ and the increase in MP salaries, the spring 2023 parliamentary session was disastrous.
The government probably hoped to start again on new bases in September, anticipating a favorable balance of power for the negotiations of collective agreements.
The unpredictable Joëlle
However, he certainly did not anticipate the hasty departure of Joëlle Boutin from Jean-Talon. This departure revived electoral hostilities, recalled the setbacks, the half-truths and the mix-ups, transforming disappointment into anger, an anger so mobilizing that it chased the CAQ from a previously won constituency.
This bitter failure was an electric shock for the government and the CAQ caucus, resurrecting controversial subjects, including the third link. What followed was a series of confusing justifications, polarizing decisions, negative polls, absurd spending, all seized upon by the unions to illustrate government disconnection and strengthen their position.
The stuffing turkey
One month before Christmas, the government finds itself with significant popular discontent, even within its own caucus. With too many crises going on, the situation is starting to smell stale. It’s high time to take the pressure off, open the doors and windows, and make choices. The objective is to resolve the problems one by one before the holidays, starting with the collective agreements of the 560,000 Quebecers on strike or using pressure tactics.
Ultimately, the government sacrificed the spring, summer and fall sessions with little to no results. The last thing he needs is to become the stuffing turkey at Christmas dinner.