From loyalty to total disenchantment: François Legault will be told his home truths in a special caucus bringing together his deputies

François Legault will find the mood of the CAQ members ranging from loyalty to total disenchantment when he gathers his MNAs today for a special caucus, in the midst of the party's debacle. Many believe he is still the best leader for the party, but some believe he is "out of touch."

The exercise is unusual and reflects the difficult climate created by the erosion of power, the fall in the polls and the thrashings suffered in the by-elections.

The Prime Minister summoned all his MPs to caucus in Quebec, when they are usually still on vacation.

The objective: to try to understand how to revive the CAQ one year before a possible collapse in the general election.

A majority of elected officials contacted are aligned, in heart or mind, behind François Legault, still "the best" at the CAQ "in the current economic context," believes a person sitting on the Council of Ministers.

One of her colleagues also feels ready to do battle with her boss, while pointing out that everything must be on the table, "without taboos," in this meeting which will be intended as an "echo chamber" for the citizens met this summer.

Too late?

But, precisely, among the deputies, some no longer believe in François Legault's chances of turning things around after having rubbed shoulders with Mr. and Mrs. Average on vacation.

"It's impossible to restart the machine... Mr. Legault is out of touch," said one of them, relaying the comments of voters who believe he has no sincere interest in the regions.

"He should leave [...] Arthabaska shows that his leadership is no longer recognized."

Skeptics

Less categorical, another elected official believes that it is "starting to be late" for the ministerial reshuffle planned for the coming days and is waiting to see how things turn out before clearly rallying.

"Will he have the audacity? [...] He'll have to demonstrate something, to create momentum," he said skeptically, deploring in passing the recent tone of the CAQ leader, too close to self-flagellation.

The loss of important advisers who could challenge the leader in recent years is also highlighted, leaving gaps around the right-hand man, Martin Koskinen.

"It seems... Those who remain now are only those who worship him infinitely."

Another member of the delegation also criticises a reshuffle that will come too late.

"It's too close to the start of the school year. The deputy ministers already have their agendas; by the time the new minister gets familiar with the files, there won't be any results in a year," he summarizes.

While he acknowledges that the CAQ "is no longer an option" in the eyes of the population, another elected official surveyed believes that it is necessary to clearly demonstrate "that we believe in our leader."

It should not be forgotten that the Prime Minister not only telegraphed his game of ministerial musical chairs, but also changes in party positions.

SAAQclic will continue to hurt during the fall, with the continuation of the commission of inquiry.

The umpteenth attempt at cleaning up will not be able to hide it.

Behind closed doors, some MPs question the commitment to the third link, but others argue that a further backtracking would be even more laughable.

François Legault has many headaches.

Not to mention that the challenge of cohesion will be great at the end of the regime, with deputies shocked at having been left out during the reshuffle.