The exercise of political appraisals has rarely been so dangerous. How do you judge a government when it has an unprecedented storm? How to say that another would have done better or worse?
The exercise is even more difficult given the extremes we have experienced with the Quebec government.
On the one hand, quick and courageous decisions, disciplined communication and a sense of leadership in the storm. On the other, an unimaginable number of deaths which places Quebec too high in this sad world record.
I retain three conclusions.
- François Legault revealed himself in the posture of a strong Prime Minister. Able to live alone, at the top of the decision pyramid, with the pressure of trying decisions. Strong enough to decide, humble enough to admit mistakes. The reshuffle closed the season in a strong and relevant gesture.
- What we have tolerated in our CHSLDs constitutes a national shame, a stain in the history of Quebec. They have been neglected in every way for years. However, I insist that they have also been neglected in the preparation for this pandemic. The result is known. The coroner’s inquest may reveal that some died from dehydration rather than from COVID-19. Sorry.
- The machine stops responding. The health bureaucracy has repeatedly lost face to Ministers McCann and Blais. Will the new minister influence this mega-ministry? Or is it simply that this monster lives by itself, makes its own laws and no longer responds to anyone?
The Liberal opposition has played its role responsibly in times of crisis. A mixture of cooperation and sound government oversight.
However, what will be remembered is the abrupt end of the PLQ leadership race. One fine morning, the candidate Alexandre Cusson announced his withdrawal. At dinner time, the party executive decides (or finds) that there is no longer a race.
No debate
Dominique Anglade therefore became leader of the Liberal Party without applause, without event, without enthusiasm. And this party will have been deprived of a debate of ideas which appeared essential after a bitter defeat. To date, Dominique Anglade has lived up to his function.
Let us note in passing the Gaétan Barrette phenomenon. At the start of the pandemic, he put on his doctor’s hat and multiplied the relevant interventions in the media.
Then the crisis in the CHSLD brought its health reform to the surface. At the end of the session, he played a muscular role in opposing the bill, to the point of shading his leader.
Québec solidaire has shown its ability to effectively grasp human and social issues. The pandemic has enabled him to get out of the environmental trap as a single subject.
As for the Parti Québécois. It has become by force of things a party in Eastern Quebec. Will the leadership race allow recovery?
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