Solidarity Quebec Congress | Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois considered not returning as spokesperson

(Gatineau) Disappointed by the 2022 electoral results and internal criticism of his leadership, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois considered not seeking again a mandate as co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire. However, he believes that the “political window” that would allow his party to grow is not closed, and therefore remains in office.

“Like you, after the 2022 results, I was disappointed. I was sad, and I don’t think I told you enough. I wanted to be strong, resilient,” said Mr. Nadeau-Dubois on Saturday in his speech where he requested the vote of the delegates to be re-elected as QS co-spokesperson.

“There is a long way to go before we reach our goal. In 2022, we saw it lengthen, and that too inevitably makes us ask questions. In the last few months, all these questions hit me at once,” he added.

He also referred to the criticism he has received, particularly with the release of Catherine Dorion’s book. “In politics we are always criticized in the media, by our opponents, it’s part of the game, and over time we develop a tough skin. There are also criticisms that come from within, and they are the ones that get under the skin,” he said.

Long walk

The parliamentary leader “took the time to think, to take a long walk” to accelerate his thinking.

He emphasizes, however, that if he decided to join Québec solidaire, then to become spokesperson for the party, it is because he could “participate in our party taking a further step, seizing an opportunity so that together we benefit from a political window open for us.”

“If I am before you today, it is because I am filled with certainty. This window has not closed,” he said.

He acknowledged that he had “work to do” and “things to change together,” without specifying exactly which ones.

He believes that Québec solidaire is the only party “to recognize all of the crises” hitting Quebec and “to propose the right solutions.” “We must become that alternative. I believe in my heart that we have this responsibility,” he said.

During this congress, Québec solidaire delegates will also have to choose who among Émilise Lessard-Therrien, Ruba Ghazal and Christine Labrie will replace Manon Massé as the party’s female spokesperson.