Marois Government week – after the’ canon’, the silence of lead

Pauline Marois may have had a ‘start’ on 20 September, the day after the formation of the Government, but the first shots fired by the first first Minister him returned to face very quickly this week.

‘Wife’s decision, which relied on his ministerial experience throughout the campaign, was downright air to be misguided as a neophyte with this retroactive tax increase case for “affluent taxpayers. She also seemed to improvise on two other ‘gun’: the closure of Gentilly-2 and the moratorium on shale gas. At the bottom, says a péquiste observer, the Government has acted with the reflexes of an opposition party; that is, without needing to talk to key stakeholders: Hydro-Québec and Mauricie, among others. The outcry followed, even if it is PQ commitments have long been known.

First parliamentary crisis

In the entourage of Ms. Marois, it was struggling to hide his discomfort Wednesday, at the exit of the Council of Ministers. Told that it is itself that wanted to make a series of announcements emerging from the first meeting. “Good reasons” were evoked. First, one that reports to the ethics of conviction: “We had it shows known to promise that you do what they say, unlike the previous Government.” Secondly, a reason of context: “you know, you don’t have much time to implement the programme. Finally, a more cynical reason: ‘liberal, without head, may when not even threaten to trigger elections.’ And the caquistes? They are broken. »

The result, however, disappointing number of PQ, as it may spoil honeymoon. Not only the Government appeared give everything (butter and butter money) to protest students, seemed to rush, but here it is eight days after naming his ministers, faced with a first parliamentary crisis. And a first potential motion of blame to the key.

The cancellation of the ‘health tax’, offset by an increase in tax for the rich: these are budgetary measures. What, in parliamentarism, requires the confidence of the Parliament. Gold François Legault and future Quebec Coalition announced their colours very quickly this week, arguing that there was no question that they support the Government. The next day, acting liberal leader, Jean-Marc Fournier, came out two-day caucus meeting by hardening its position in turn.

Freeze frame. Back to the Fournier’s Tuesday press conference. To the question “Are you ready to bring down the Government [regarding the abolition of the health tax]?”, Mr. Fournier responds with a defensive exasperation: “Yes, I know you will… then it’s normal that you asked it.” Then I will not stop you you asked your questions… But I’ll probably answer the same thing a few times. We are still in September, the election took place in September. Frankly, I think that I would not do my job if I told you that we are considering this. “After consulting with his 49 flock, the Fournier on Thursday looked frankly more pugnacious:”We are against tax increases and voted against a tax increase.” The other political parties must govern itself accordingly. “If the Fournier on Tuesday multiplied the formulas of the type”We are open to dialogue, discussion”, Fournier on Thursday returned responsibility for any possible failure to the head of the Government:”I don’t think that Ms. Marois would go in election.” This is his choice, This is not the choice of the opposition. Ms. Marois had an election result, she said: “Me, I will apply my program.” Well, me too I will apply my program. Me, there not for the abolition of the health contribution in my program. “The situation of the minority Government is similar to the famous game of the WIMP (analysis in the theory of games): participants roll with each other; the first who is afraid and left the road loses.

Why rush?

At the time of this writing, the 28 September, most of the members of the Council of Ministers have a full team in their own practice. A single Press Secretary, the former presenter of news Robert-Charles Longpré, working with Diane de Courcy (Immigration and cultural communities + Charter of the French language), revealed his cell phone number to journalists! Nine days to form a cabinet, it is, explains. Especially for Ministers of a minority Government, whose life may be fleeting!

As a result, if Ms. Marois ‘began in lion’, is well kept ROAR, this week, despite the controversy. Not a single point press, even improvised. Thursday, journalists were waiting at the annual meeting of the Quebec Federation of municipalities. Usually, the previous Premiers – Landry and Charest – in obtaining to offer some responses – and sometimes non-answers – to the journalists present. Thursday? Nothing. Pauline Marois is passed out to go pronounce a “fairly general speech [where it] in a [...]» ‘advantage to present his colleagues’, noted reporter Isabelle Porter.

After the start, therefore, the silence of lead.