François Legault Strives to Retain Dissatisfied CAQ Legislator
In a notable political development in Québec, Premier François Legault is making efforts to retain Isabelle Poulet, the CAQ legislator for Laporte. Poulet had scheduled a press conference to announce her departure from the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) on Tuesday morning. However, the conference was unexpectedly canceled shortly before it was set to begin.
Background on Isabelle Poulet
Isabelle Poulet, who represents a district south of Montreal, was elected in 2022 in an area that traditionally leaned Liberal. Before her election, she served as a municipal councilor in Sainte-Julie. Her situation highlights the growing discontent within the CAQ.
Recent Political Tension
Poulet’s planned announcement follows recent turmoil in the CAQ, particularly regarding controversial legislation known as Law 2, which has sparked criticism from various caucus members. This development comes just days after Lionel Carmant, a previous CAQ member, left the party over disagreements related to this legislative issue and is now serving as an independent.
- Premier: François Legault
- Legislator: Isabelle Poulet (CAQ, Laporte)
- Law in question: Law 2
- Recent resignations: Eight members have left the CAQ over the past two years
Concerns Among CAQ Members
The discontent is not limited to Poulet. Other CAQ members have also expressed concerns. For instance, Suzanne Blais, the representative for Abitibi-Ouest, acknowledged there is room for improvement regarding Law 2. Luc Provençal, a member from Beauce-Nord, also faced questions about his future but stated he was not ready to resign yet.
The ongoing discussions between Legault and Poulet may determine the trajectory of her political career and the stability of the CAQ moving forward. As tensions within the party rise, the implications for the leadership and future of the Coalition avenir Québec remain to be seen.
