Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to become the next premier of Quebec, marking a significant comeback for the pro-independence Parti Québécois after a period of decline and obscurity in the political landscape of the National Assembly.
The recent election victory of the PQ in Quebec signals a resurgence propelled by consistent poll leads over the past three years and a series of byelection wins, highlighting a growing backing for the sovereigntist party.
With the Parti Québécois’ triumph, the possibility of a referendum on independence looms on the horizon for Quebec. St-Pierre Plamondon has indicated that the party plans to hold a referendum once Donald Trump vacates office, emphasizing the need for a more conducive political atmosphere for discussions about the future.
The return of a pro-independence government in Quebec harks back to 2014 when then-Premier Pauline Marois led the province. However, the prospect of a referendum was seldom addressed during that administration.
Throughout the election campaign, St-Pierre Plamondon has encouraged Quebecers not to shy away from the idea of creating their own nation, echoing the sentiments of Quebec independence advocate Jacques Parizeau about the importance of democracy and self-determination.
The estimated cost of organizing a referendum by the Parti Québécois is $130 million, underscoring the significance and potential impact of such a decision.
From a mere three seats in the National Assembly four years ago, St-Pierre Plamondon’s leadership has seen a remarkable resurgence for the PQ, coinciding with the decline of the Coalition Avenir Québec after the 2022 election.
The successful byelection wins by the Parti Québécois in key districts, including Jean-Talon, Terrebonne, Arthabaska, and Chicoutimi, have bolstered the party’s seat count to seven, marking a significant turnaround since the challenging period following the 2014 defeat.
The PQ’s commitment to holding a referendum in its first term has garnered significant attention, but St-Pierre Plamondon also gained support through various campaign promises on key issues such as the economy, immigration, language, health, homelessness, childcare, and royalty reforms.
