From PQ to CAQ, from CAQ to PQ: or when the CAQ loses its monopoly over nationalism

Maybe the CAQ thought it was doing a good job by revealing that PQ candidate Pascal Paradis flirted with Jean-Dalon in the last election.

We can only hope that the CAQ provided this information to the media to torpedo the PQ’s successful campaign.

According to the CAQ, Paradis sought not just a winning ride but a ministerial post and some electoral facilities to enter politics. It is possible. The negotiation failed. It will happen.

Jean Talon

And Paradis, henceforth, presents himself for the PQ.

Beyond the usual politics and behind-the-scenes negotiations that are of particular interest to commentators, this shift from one party to another shows a significant evolution in the public debate: the CAQ is slowly losing its monopoly on winning nationalism at the polls. He did everything to get it.

A year ago, things were very different. Several analysts wrote obituaries for PQ.

At least, they judged, this party would die at the door of the grave before its last breath.

Such a party can no longer present a serious militancy, but fails to attract those who wish to permanently register themselves in political life and stand a chance of being elected. PQ belongs to the past.

Not so for the CAQ, which later presented itself as a nationalist party capable of governing and was open to separatists until they officially put their will on the shelf, their time passing in politics. .

The CAQ presented itself as a party of nationalism.

Wasn’t the CAQ, also, from the looks of it, a party formed by defectors from the PQ? Wasn’t François Legault foremost among them?

Between the nationalist wing of the CAQ and the PQ, the difference is less in nature than in degree. They are estranged brothers. Many Cagquists are sovereignists at heart, and regret their party’s nationalist softness.

Be that as it may, the PQ managed to survive the last election and make a comeback.

Recent polls confirm this. The PQ is no longer fighting to survive or become the official opposition, but rather to win. He is not there yet, but trends suggest he may contest the next general election.

studies

It allows him to bring back to himself the ambitious nationalists fueled yesterday by the CAQ race. Even if the CAQ loses a few points in the polls, the PQ will be able to gain two or three, enough to join a new candidate pool and lend credibility to its candidacy.

That’s why Jean-Dalon’s piece will be so interesting, whatever the outcome. This may represent a key point.