Quebec Premier Jean Charest waves after he unveiled his cabinet at the National Assembly in Quebec City on Dec. 18, 2008.MATHIEU BELANGER
How do I know?
On the weekend, a crowd estimated at 50,000 people protested against his government's budget. And, yesterday, Le Devoir reported that more than 3 of 4 Quebeckers are dissatisfied with the Liberal government - an all time-high.
The only people who seem pleased with Mr. Charest's budget are those to whom he will be looking for his next job - outside of politics. And yet the Premier shows no sign of backing down.
After the budget was tabled, Mr. Charest took personal ownership of the budget - rather than leaving it to his finance minister to sell, as is both traditional and prudent. Moreover, rather than doing the tough stuff at the beginning of his mandate - as is both traditional and politically astute - Mr. Charest has spread the pain over the course of the next three years leading up to the next election: the increase in the provincial sales tax kicks in next year and in 2012, the health tax reaches its peak in 2013 and increases in electricity rates are scheduled for 2014.
Having served a premier and a prime minister who were on their way out of office, to me the signs are unmistakable. Trailing in the polls, and with Pauline Marois now seen by Quebeckers as the leader who would make the best premier, the Liberals will change horses before the next election. And, since the support for Ms. Marois is lukewarm at best, that could be a winning strategy.