PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon runs a low-key campaign ahead of Quebec election

Inside the Parti Québécois campaign, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon sticks to a deliberate, low-profile strategy, prompting comments from long-time party members about his lack of smiles and occasional need for prompts to interact with the public. He argues the approach mirrors his 2022 run, which secured three seats, and claims it reflects consistency rather than reaction to rivals. In Longueuil, he announced a temporary 50% cut to provincial gas taxes, but faced criticism from a sovereigntist health-service employee who opposes his plan to abolish Santé Québec.

The leader also met agricultural lobbyists, reaffirming opposition to the Alto high-speed rail project, and later withdrew from a local debate after a candidate change, sending a substitute MNAs to speak. Instead of the debate, he attended a beer festival in Repentigny, where he appeared more relaxed and even smiled while handing out drinks with the mayor. The party’s schedule remains focused on upcoming televised debates, with the economic team set to present its fiscal platform.