'I want to push the limits of what's possible!' proclaims Quebec solidaire MNA
After parliamentary leader Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois laid his cards on the table on Wednesday, it was Sol Zanetti's turn to set out his vision for Québec solidaire (QS).
Uncomfortable with his leader's label as a pragmatist, he believes that the party should not be afraid to "step outside the box," nor try to "meet the demands of the full-time machine," but rather "push the limits of the possible."
While acknowledging that debates will be necessary within his party, Zanetti remains cautious about attacking Nadeau-Dubois.
However, in a letter copied to The Canadian Press, he writes that QS must make a difficult choice if it is not to "lose any more Catherine (Dorion) and Émilise (Lessard-Therrien)," two women who have criticized the leadership style of the cherished Solidaire parliamentarian.
"I refuse to personalize this affair or reduce it to a gang war," said Zanetti in his first public appearance since the shock resignation of Lessard-Therrien on Monday.
QS has been in crisis ever since she stepped down as co-spokesperson just a few months after being elected. In a message explaining the reasons for her departure, she criticized Nadeau-Dubois - without naming him - and the "small team of professionals tightly knit around him."
On Wednesday, the Solidaire parliamentary leader came to present his vision, saying he wants QS to become a "government party" with a more "pragmatic" program and a leaner structure.
"The word 'pragmatic' has a negative connotation for some on the left. I don't want to use that term to define myself, but at the same time, I don't want to reject it either," said Zanetti in an interview with The Canadian Press.
"I don't recognize myself in this dichotomy. I'm someone who wants to make things work and push the limits of what's possible," he said.
Zanetti is not alone in feeling uncomfortable with the term pragmatist. Although he calls himself a pragmatist, MNA Guillaume Cliche-Rivard seemed intent on keeping his distance from the term this week. The party's new interim co-spokesperson, Christine Labrie, on the other hand, fully embraces it.
In his letter, Zanetti said that "since Day 1," he wanted QS "to be a party of government, but not a party or a government like the others."
He also wants the party to find solutions to ensure greater equality between the two spokespersons.
The Jean-Lesage MNA believes that the party should not be afraid to do things simply because they may not be popular: "We need to take that risk more often. And that's something we're all capable of doing. Gabriel is capable of doing that," he said.
-- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 4, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Thousands are expected to rally on Washington's National Mall in support of Palestinian rights
Thousands of protesters are expected to turn out for a rally in the American capital Saturday in support of Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Hundreds walk backwards in downtown Montreal to symbolize the decline of LGBTQ2S+ rights
On Friday, hundreds gathered and walked backwards in the heart of Montreal to honour the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Video appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs beating singer Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016
Security video aired by CNN appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.