General

Former premier Parizeau endorses Option Nationale

Uniting the sovereigntists just got a little more difficult for PQ leader Pauline Marois

Former Parti Québécois premier Jacques Parizeau’s has publicly endorsed Jean-Martin Aussant, the Globe and Mail reports. Mr. Aussant is the leader of the Option Nationale, a newly-founded sovereigntist party that is challenging the PQ in a number of “blue” ridings.

A recent poll conducted by Léger Marketing shows the PQ leading in voter intentions with 33 per cent support, ahead of the CAQ at 28 per cent and the Liberals at 27 per cent. Athough a majority government may still be in reach for Pauline Marois, the PQ leader would need to unite the sovereignists, a goal made more difficult following Mr. Parizeau’s endorsement of Mr. Aussant.

Mr. Aussant was elected as a PQ member in 2008 but quit the party in June, 2011, saying that Marois she was too obsessed with achieving a PQ government, rather than political independence for Quebec.

Until now, the Option Nationale has barely registered in the election, attracting only 2 per cent of voters according to recent opinion polls.

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