The member for LaFontaine, Marc Tanguay, was chosen by his peers to lead the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ) until the election of a new permanent leader. Mr. Tanguay, an experienced MP, inherits a very heavy responsibility. Mainly, it must ensure that, despite the divisions that the leadership race will inevitably create, the QLP remains united and focuses its energies on its role as the official opposition to the government of the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ). If the Liberals do not perform this task well, another party will fill the void, which would be fatal for the PLQ.
In addition, Mr. Tanguay must ensure that the “liberal brand”, already damaged, is not further tainted by internal struggles. Finally, Mr. Tanguay and his team must act so that the PLQ once again becomes, in the minds of Quebecers, a party worthy of governing Quebec, THE alternative to the Legault government.
To carry out these tasks, Mr. Tanguay does not enjoy the same authority as that of a permanent chief. MPs and activists know that the interim leader is just passing through.
The credibility of the interim leader therefore depends on two factors. First, his personal credibility, based on his political career and the relationships he has forged with other caucus members and activists. Then, the certainty that MPs and activists have that the interim leader is there to serve the party, and not his personal ambition.
As for the first point, Mr. Tanguay has been an MP for ten years and no one can doubt his attachment to Liberal values. His colleagues having chosen him to ensure the interim, it is assumed that he maintains good relations with most of them.
As for the second point, this is where the shoe pinches. Taking advantage of a curious decision by the party executive, Mr. Tanguay did not rule out a possible candidacy for the leadership of the PLQ. Consequently, its actions and gestures will be interpreted, both internally and by the public, in the light of this ambition. There will always be a doubt, an ambiguity. Such a situation is unhealthy for the caucus and for the party.
The member for Pontiac, André Fortin, was right to renounce the interim leadership, believing that this function is not compatible with participating in the race for the leadership of the party.
For the good of the PLQ, the member for LaFontaine should quickly decide whether or not he will be a candidate for the leadership. If the answer is no, his moral authority as interim leader will be strengthened. If the answer is positive, he should leave his place to another deputy to lead the formation pending the election of a new leader.
The pitiful “Nichols affair” can unfortunately be seen as a first demonstration of the weakness of Mr. Tanguay’s leadership (although the behavior of the member for Vaudreuil also raises questions). The only way for Mr. Tanguay to strengthen this leadership is to reveal his intentions as soon as possible. Whatever his decision, things will have the merit of being clear.
In the current situation, the PLQ urgently needs to regain its unity. Only an interim leader with only party interests at heart will be able to restore the necessary cohesion. That said, the responsibility incumbent on Mr. Tanguay is shared by the entire caucus. As the interim leader pointed out on Wednesday, the Liberal MPs must from now on devote all their attention to the issues that concern Quebecers.