We remember that in 1967, René Lévesque presented his sovereignty-association project to the members of the Liberal Party of Quebec gathered at a conference. His proposal is rejected by a large majority of federalist liberals, who push him towards the exit. Faced with this refusal, Lévesque founded a new political group the following year, the Parti Québécois, which was brought to power in 1976. Thus, we can affirm that René Lévesque gave meaning to his political action.
For his part, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois (GND), in the “Saguenay Declaration”, wants to add pragmatism to the utopianism of Québec solidaire (QS), from a government perspective. What will be the outcome of this GND revolt against the party’s hardliners at the next congress? Various scenarios are possible, here are a few.
If GND wins its case, it is expected that there will be a split within the party, with the purists jumping ship and making way for the pragmatist “upstarts”. On the other hand, if GND loses its bet, it is possible that it will bow out or be invited to do so. In this case, what will be the reaction of the former QS spokesperson? Go to other places or stay in politics and found a new left-wing party like a Quebec NDP. Whatever happens, there will be a before and after this crisis which shakes the pillars of QS orthodoxy. Will GND be the gravedigger or savior of his party?
Unlike René Lévesque, who left his mark on the historical fabric of Quebec, what will it be for Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois? In the event of his departure, will his political career at QS be eclipsed in favor of the dominant media role he experienced at the time of the Red Square student crisis? We do not choose our place in history, it is rather this which sorts between the extras and the main roles in the great game of our collective epic.
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