Monday, September 3, 2012

Worst Possible Quebec Outcome

I hate it when a columnist smartly reaches the worst conclusion before I do.  Don MacPherson of the Montreal Gazette has pointed out on twitter and his blog that the PQ getting a majority government may not be the worst thing.  Nope, the worst outcome might be a PQ minority government that depends on more devoutly separatist parties like Quebec Solidaire.  The QS is much more sincere about an independent Quebec, so it might force the PQ to push for a referendum sooner rather than later. 

Oy.  Minority governments can be frozen, they can be empowered, and they can be destructive.  It depends on whether they need support to do stuff, where the support may come from and what might be price. Israeli governments have been held hostage by small religious parties.  Relying on centrist parties, a la Germany and the Free Democrats is much better for stability and reasonable policies.  A PQ relying on the QS or the Option Nationale would be pretty awful. 

So, let's hope that the polls are wrong.  Or really right.  Or, well, I am confused.  Good night, Quebec.

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