The only elected member of Democracy Quebec at the city hall of Quebec, Councilor Jean Rousseau says he is still “thinking” for the leadership of his party and a possible candidacy for mayor.
Démocratie Québec announced yesterday the launch of the race which will crown the new leader of the party this fall, one year before the next general election. The terms of this race will be discussed today, at the Lucien-Borne community center, during the party’s annual convention.
“There, the party judges that it is time to prepare for the next electoral term, hence the launch of the race”, confides Mr. Rousseau in an interview.
Those interested will have until October 3 to submit their application. The future leader should be elected by the members of the party “by November”, we learn in a statement released yesterday. Denis L’Anglais will act as returning officer.
Several interim leaders
At present, the photographer and astronomer Philippe Moussette occupies the seat of interim chief. The defeated candidate in Vanier-Duberger, in the 2017 election, succeeded in the greatest discretion to Denis Des Roches, who had himself succeeded Mbaï-Hadji Mbaïrewaye following the departure of Anne Guérette.
For three years, the interim leaders have left virtually all the room to Councilor Rousseau in the public square, but the latter is still hesitant to take the reins of the party and run for mayor. “I am still thinking,” he said.
“The party is going well”
Mr. Rousseau says he expects to be able to discuss, at the end of the week, with forty members of the party during the congress. Two rooms have been reserved in order to respect sanitary instructions and physical distancing. The mask will obviously be compulsory. “People need to see and talk to each other. The virtual has many virtues, but in politics, it has its limits, ”he explains.
Democracy Quebec has more than two hundred members, he says. “The party is doing well, it is still active, there are new members and the positions I have taken on regional transport have aroused interest. There is a party life that is present, but as in all parties, we follow electoral cycles and between elections, it is always a little quieter. “
The party will also discuss its main orientations at the end of the week, it will take stock of the hearings of the BAPE on the tramway, will debate the “notion of eco-districts in the old towns” and will propose its own urban planning vision for the City of Quebec.
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