Having recently become a member of the Liberal Party of Quebec (PLQ), of which he wishes to become leader, Denis Coderre calls on “disappointed” Liberal voters to return home. According to him, the political party will, however, first have to “take responsibility” and recognize that it no longer connects with French-speakers.
“I invite all liberals to come back. I understand that at the time you were disappointed. There are Liberals who voted strategically, but now is the time. […] Come on, we’re going to have fun », Launched the former mayor of Montreal, in a press scrum, as he entered the premises of the PLQ offices in Montreal.
Describing himself as a “center extremist,” Mr. Coderre argued for a race for party leadership “without coronation.” “It takes a debate of ideas. There are plenty of things to do, but above all, the Liberal Party must once again become an alternative,” he insisted.
The 60-year-old man received formal support on Friday from the president of the liberal association of the Lévis constituency and secretary general of the party’s Youth Commission, Christopher Sirois.
In a letter sent to liberal authorities, Mr. Sirois asserts that Denis Coderre “could bring members back to our party to take part in the revival”, maintaining that the main person concerned “has extensive experience in politics as much as both municipal and federal, which could be an invaluable asset in the management of provincial files.”
“We will take responsibility”
Asked about the diagnosis he made of the PLQ, the ex-mayor maintained that the party “did not let the French speakers down”, but that on the other hand it “did not connect” with them. “It must be a viable alternative. We forgot two important verbs: the verb to be and the verb to assume. There, it’s always other people’s fault. No, look, we’re going to take responsibility,” he insisted, speaking of the liberal troops.
In the immediate future, Mr. Coderre intends to make municipalities, immigration and regions his priorities in an upcoming leadership race.
“It’s time we listened to the activists. The important thing is to talk to people and listen to them. And it’s time for us to listen to the regions,” he said, tackling recent internal disagreements between the CAQ members. “It doesn’t feel like a huddle, but like group therapy. »
The man who was also federal deputy for Bourassa for more than 15 years assures that he will not be in a position of “conflict of interest” with his lobbying mandates, an issue which seriously affected him during the last municipal campaign. in 2021.
He is also still involved with three actors. These are United for Life, a housing project reserved for autistic people, Stingray, a music and video services company, and the Helios Group, a Longueuil company specializing in drinking water management. “The day I decide that I’m going, I will be full-time in politics,” concluded Mr. Coderre.