Members of Québec solidaire will vote on the idea of “beginning a dialogue” with Option nationale toward the merger of the two parties before the end of the year.
Québec solidaire clarified in a statement Friday night that the members will vote on such a proposition at the party convention in May.
At the beginning of March, during the announcement of his candidacy as co-spokesperson of Québec solidaire, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, (in photo), said the two parties “share a vision of values, of principles, the same social project.”
Andrés Fontecilla, QS co-spokesperson, also mentioned “the proximity of the two organizations” on two key proposals: the independence of Quebec and the creation of a people’s assembly to achieve it.
Sol Zanetti, leader of Option nationale, believes it’s a “very good thing” that Québec solidaire “is taking steps in the direction” of his party. “We’ve always pushed for an alliance between independence groups around a clear engagement to achieve independence,” he said.
To avoid spoiling possible negotiations, Zanetti didn’t want to comment on what that “clear engagement” would look like.
Members of Option nationale would vote on a possible merger after knowing the position of Québec solidaire. “The ball is really in the court of QS members,” Zanetti said.
Québec solidaire members meet May 19-22.