Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, co-spokesperson for Québec solidaire (QS), is set to make an important announcement regarding his political future on March 20, 2025, in Montréal. This news comes as he has been absent from the National Assembly since December 2024 due to parental leave following the birth of his second daughter.
Nadeau-Dubois's upcoming declaration is heavily anticipated, primarily due to the current turmoil within his party. Recently, the party suffered a blow in the Terrebonne by-election, where candidate Nadia Poirier finished with only 4.55% of the votes—much lower than the 12.65% she earned during the general election in 2022.
The atmosphere within QS has been rife with internal strife over the past year. In April 2024, Émilise Lessard-Therrien stepped down from her co-spokesperson position just months after being elected. Her departure raised concerns about Nadeau-Dubois's leadership style and its effectiveness in uniting the party.
Further complicating the internal dynamics, Haroun Bouazzi, QS MNA for Maurice-Richard, ignited controversy in November 2024 by suggesting that he perceives "the construction of this Other" at the Assembly, whose culture he deemed "dangerous or inferior." His refusal to apologize for these statements fueled division within party ranks and added to the dissatisfaction among some party members.
Despite these challenges, the specifics of Nadeau-Dubois’s announcement are yet unclear. Observers speculate that it may hint at a significant political shift. Political announcements of this nature often suggest possible resignations or shifts in focus, exemplified when Longueuil Mayor Catherine Fournier used similar language in November 2024, only to announce her candidacy for a second term.
In his announcement, Nadeau-Dubois has indicated plans to return to the Assembly following his leave, but he previously noted, "Family reasons are keeping me in Montreal this week, but I will be back at the National Assembly next week." His commitment to balancing family and political responsibilities has been evident, showing his dedication to both his personal life and his role within the political arena.
As Nadeau-Dubois prepares to address the public, the consequences of his words could hold significant weight for the party's future. With the Québec solidaire grappling with low electoral performance and internal conflicts, his announcement is crucial. Depending on the direction he chooses, it could either pave the way for a potential reevaluation of leadership or continue the current trend of instability.
Political analysts will be watching closely to see if Nadeau-Dubois opts to remain in his current role or if he has plans to shift towards other opportunities, including the impending elections at both the municipal and federal levels.
Overall, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois's announcement may not just reflect his personal and political aspirations but could also redefine the path forward for Québec solidaire as a party trying to regain its footing amid both internal and external pressures.
