Gusts of air are moving briskly
The political landscape in Quebec has taken an unexpected turn, following the recent by-election in Arthabaska-L'Erable. The Parti Québécois (PQ) has secured a victory, snatching the riding from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) which had held it since 2012.
PQ candidate Alex Boissonneault received over 46% of the vote, defeating CAQ and Quebec Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime who received just over 35%. This victory marks the PQ's third consecutive by-election win, a significant achievement that strengthens their momentum ahead of the 2026 provincial election.
CAQ's Decline
The CAQ's defeat in Arthabaska-L'Erable has been interpreted as a clear sign of decline for the governing party led by François Legault. The party finished a distant fourth with only 7% of the vote in this riding. Political analysts suggest that this poor performance symbolizes increasing voter rejection, and some have gone as far as to describe it as the "end of the CAQ era," implying that the CAQ has lost its standing as the dominant political force in Quebec.
PQ's Resurgence
On the other hand, the PQ is gaining significant traction, positioning itself as a stronger alternative to the CAQ. The party is appealing to voters concerned about Quebec’s culture and social policies, and their rising poll numbers and repeated electoral successes suggest growing support for sovereigntist policies and a renewed social contract with Quebecers.
Other Parties' Performance
The Quebec Liberals, under new leadership, have seen some improvement, placing third in this by-election after finishing fifth in 2022. The Quebec Conservatives, represented by Éric Duhaime, made a respectable showing but were decisively outperformed by the PQ and Liberals.
Implications for the Future
The by-election signals a significant political realignment in Quebec, with the PQ emerging as the main challenger to CAQ's former dominance. This could potentially reshape the dynamics going into the 2026 provincial election, making for an eventful political year as parties adjust their strategies to respond to the changing voter preferences.
References
- CTV News
- CBC News
- La Presse
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