Former Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe believes that the federal Liberals are in trouble, as evidenced by their declining support and lack of a viable replacement for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite discontent within the party, there is no one willing to step up to challenge Trudeau due to the belief that they would likely suffer a severe defeat in the next election. The Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, have been gaining ground against the Liberals, but the Bloc Quebecois has also seen an increase in support in Quebec, where voters are not fans of Poilievre’s style of politics.
The internal dissent within the Liberal Party has been growing, with some MPs signing a document calling for Trudeau to step down and several ministers announcing they will not seek re-election. Additionally, the Liberals recently lost key byelections in Toronto and Montreal to the Bloc Quebecois, further indicating the party’s declining popularity. This has put the spotlight on potential successors to Trudeau within the party, but many of them are facing tough re-election battles in Quebec, which could further weaken the Liberals’ position.
One possible successor to Trudeau, Innovation and Science Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, is currently facing a tough race in his riding against the Bloc. Duceppe pointed out the irony of Champagne potentially losing his own seat while leading the Liberal Party, drawing comparisons to former Prime Minister Kim Campbell’s ousting in her own riding. The timing of the next federal election and the potential impact of Quebec politics, including the Parti Quebecois’ performance in the next provincial election, could further complicate the situation for the Liberals.
While the Bloc Quebecois has been gaining momentum in Quebec, its leader Yves-Francois Blanchet has indicated that the party may withdraw support for the minority government if its priorities are not met. Blanchet’s focus on concrete policies and commitments to the province are seen as a strategic move that resonates with voters. Duceppe praised Blanchet for his honesty and urged him to continue pursuing policies that benefit Quebecers. Meanwhile, Trudeau may survive the current internal revolt within the Liberal caucus but faces an uphill battle in the next election, according to Duceppe.
Overall, Duceppe’s assessment of the current political landscape in Canada paints a challenging picture for the Liberal Party. The lack of enthusiasm for Trudeau as leader, combined with the rise of the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois in Quebec, suggests that the Liberals may struggle to maintain their grip on power in the next election. The potential for an early election and the ongoing dynamics within Quebec politics further complicate the situation for all parties involved. Duceppe’s warning that the Liberals may not emerge victorious in the next election highlights the need for a new approach and leadership within the party.
