The final numbers aren’t in ( Lib 70,PQ 30,CAQ 22,QS 3) but make no mistake about it, this is a Liberal blowout of herculean proportions!
The Quebec voters have handed Philippe Couillard and his Liberal Party a majority and by doing so have put the boots to Pauline Marios and her separatist crew for some time to come. ( More on that later)
In his victory/concession speech lucky new PQ MNA Karl Pierre Peladeau sounded more like a man who was giving Marois the Royal shove off the stage as he paid homage to the victory of Philippe Couillard.
For what it’s worth local politicians never congratulate leaders of winning parties. They usually leave that to their leader, unless of course that MNA already thinks he is the leader.
His speech sounded like the groundwork for that campaign and lets face it, who in the PQ would take him on right now.
Of course victory for him won’t be easy especially if you are a PQ member who blames Peladeau for the loss and lets face it his entrance into this contest and his sovereignty proclamation turned this election on its ear and handed it to Couillard and the Liberals.
Since Peladeau gave his speech he has already been telling reporters not to be blamed on him.
Personally I don’t think Peladeau will stick around and he will quit soon. A by-election will be called and the CAQ will pick up another seat.
The debates played a role and showcased the leadership of Francois Legault. His superb performance propelled the CAQ to upwards of 20 seats a new high for the party. They no doubt peeled off disenchanted PQ votes because of that and likely because a vote for them as well as Quebec Solidaire was ” safe’ in this election.
What about Marois? She will likely lose her seat by the hair of her chinny chin chin and either give herself the hook on a speech expected shortly or be given the boot by the party aka Peladeau.
She called an election a mere 18 months into her mandate ( David Peterson could have taught you a thing or two Pauline) and she lead what could be classed as one of the worst campaigns in history.
In her speech she resigned? Why wouldn’t she, she left the party in shambles.
What of Separation?
The separatists have a number of problems to deal with.
1) The current old generation of separatists probably just saw the last of their elections.
2) There are 3 parties in the house , 2 of which grew in size and who also troll for separatist votes.
3) Once the aforementioned old guard retires they will have rely on the young vote to help their cause and we all know the young folks don’t vote.
To be sure, Philippe Couillard has been given a big mandate not only to grow the economy but also to keep his foot on the throat of the separatists.
Will he do it?
Will Francois Legault be able to grow the CAQ as a viable alternative to the PQ?
Will the PQ go the way of the dodo bird? Who will be their new leader.
Will Peladeau quit soon and go back to private life?
What do you think?
