(Quebec) Denis Coderre may not be the only member of the federal Liberal family running for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ). Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez is considering entering the race and is gauging his support.
Questioned by The Press On Saturday, Justin Trudeau’s political lieutenant in Quebec kept the suspense alive. He did not deny his interest in the position. “I can’t say anything for the next few days,” he replied. He said he was ready to speak “in the middle of the week” only.
He was asked if it is true that an announcement would be made in the coming days. This could take place on Tuesday, according to information that has been circulating in the ranks of the PLQ for several days.
Liberal sources in Quebec confirm that Pablo Rodriguez has been making calls for several weeks to gauge interest in a possible candidacy.
So far, it is another federal minister, François-Philippe Champagne, that many in the PLQ want to convince to make the jump.
Former federal minister and former mayor of Montreal Denis Coderre announced his candidacy for the leadership of the PLQ on June 21.
The PLQ MP for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, has already announced that he is considering succeeding Dominique Anglade.
Charles Milliard, 44, left his post as president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce in June as he prepared the ground for his arrival in the race.
The mayor of Victoriaville, Antoine Tardif, a former advisor to federal MP Alain Rayes, is also seriously considering running as a candidate.
Officially, the PLQ leadership campaign will begin on January 13, the date on which official nominations will begin. Four debates are scheduled between April 12 and June 8. The new leader will be elected on June 14.