Projet Montréal Reflects on Future After Election Defeat

Projet Montréal is reflecting on its future after suffering a significant electoral defeat. Once a dominant force in municipal politics, the party held power for eight years under Valérie Plante. The election results have prompted a reassessment of its strategies and leadership moving forward.

Election Outcomes

During the recent elections, Projet Montréal managed to retain a presence in urban boroughs but lost ground in several others. The party successfully kept its seats in:

• Le Plateau–Mont-Royal
• Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie
• Villeray–Parc-Extension
• Le Sud-Ouest

However, it suffered losses in boroughs like:

• Ahuntsic–Cartierville
• Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
• Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

In his concession speech, Luc Rabouin, who is stepping down as leader, portrayed an optimistic vision for the party. He emphasized that thousands of Montrealers supported Projet Montréal’s aim for a fairer and greener city.

Leadership Changes

Soraya Martínez Ferrada, the leader of Ensemble Montréal, emerged victorious with 43% of the vote. This win marks Martínez Ferrada as Montreal’s first Latino mayor, succeeding Valérie Plante. Her campaign slogan, “Listen and Act,” struck a chord among voters frustrated by changes like biweekly garbage collection and road congestion.

Rabouin’s share of the vote dropped to 38%, a significant decline from 52% in the previous election. Cathy Wong, a prominent member of Projet Montréal, acknowledged that the party’s previous policies faced mixed opinions, indicating a desire for change among constituents.

Public Sentiment and Future Direction

Despite the electoral setback, many individuals in the party’s traditional strongholds expressed hope that the new administration would maintain the progress made in creating a greener Montreal. A supporter stated they were eager to see the new government’s approach and results.

Guedwig Bernier, a former president of Projet Montréal, suggested the party should learn from the electoral outcomes. He noted that cities like Longueuil, led by progressive candidates, had a better reception by presenting a softer message. He believes the progressive values of Projet are still relevant in Montreal.

Next Steps for Projet Montréal

Projet Montréal faces key decisions regarding its leadership and future direction. The party plans a meeting in the coming days to evaluate the electoral loss and discuss strategies moving forward. A spokesperson for the party confirmed that further public statements would be limited for the week ahead.

As the political landscape shifts in Montreal, Projet Montréal aims to regroup and adapt, maintaining its commitment to progressive policies while responding to constituents’ evolving needs.