Quebec election debate: PQ leader tops poll as parties unite against CAQ record

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon won the highest approval rating in a flash poll following Quebec's first televised election debate Tuesday night, as four other party leaders hammered the Coalition Avenir Québec's record and positioned themselves as alternatives to Christine Fréchette's government.

The TVA-Le Journal poll of 1,171 respondents — 746 of whom watched all or part of the debate — showed Plamondon's performance resonating strongest with viewers. His calm, focused approach to rallying PQ voters contrasted with the coordinated assault on the CAQ, which dominated the two-hour debate at Quebec's Palais des congrès.

Charles Milliard of the Quebec Liberal Party argued the CAQ does not represent "the change Quebecers need." Éric Duhaime of the Conservative Party attacked government spending, asking voters what the government is doing with their money. Ruba Ghazal of Québec solidaire criticized both the CAQ and previous governments over privatization of social services. Plamondon called for "an end to CAQ waste" and pledged that "from day one, a PQ government will change course."

Fréchette, on the defensive throughout, opened by declaring "I am not François Legault," but the repeated attacks underscored how closely voters associate her with the outgoing premier's record. Political analyst Daniel Tran said the shared opposition strategy gave Fréchette an opening to promote her own agenda, though the night belonged to the PQ leader's composed performance.

Polls currently project a Parti Québécois minority government, meaning other parties will play a crucial role in passing legislation. During Tuesday's debate, positioning for that scenario was already visible — all five leaders tried to frame themselves not just as potential premiers but as potential collaborators. A second debate is scheduled for Wednesday night, with a third planned later in the campaign. The provincial election is set for October 5.