(Gatineau) The members of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) are meeting in pre-sessional caucus in Gatineau, in Outaouais, from September 3 to 5. This will be an opportunity for the elected officials to prepare the themes and orientations that they wish to put forward during the next parliamentary session at the National Assembly.
The Liberals want to continue to put pressure on the Legault government, particularly on the issue of public finances. Let us recall that its latest budget forecasts a deficit of 11 billion. The Coalition avenir Québec and the PLQ are also competing for the title of party of the economy.
But the Liberals are still leaderless. And while the leadership race is starting to generate more interest, it risks monopolizing a lot of media space to the detriment of Liberal elected officials who will want to put their issues forward.
Three candidates have already launched their campaign: former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre, former president of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce Charles Milliard and tax lawyer Marc Bélanger.
Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez is keeping the suspense as to his intentions regarding the leadership.
The Liberal MP for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, is officially still thinking about it, but should make the leap soon.
The challenges to be met are already numerous for the next leader of the Liberals: the needle of the polls is not moving in their favour, their support among francophones is starving, young people have deserted the party and he must reconquer the regions of Quebec.
The race officially begins in January 2025. The new Liberal leader will be chosen in the summer of that same year.