Paul St-Pierre Plamondon emerged as the winner of the TVA “Face-à-Face” leaders‘ debate on September 15, 2026, according to an analysis published by Rémi Nadeau in Le Journal de Montréal. Standing as the leader in public opinion polls, the Parti Québécois leader benefited from avoiding the role of primary target among his opponents while delivering the most commanding performance of the evening.
PQ Leader Navigates Debate Above the Fray
According to Le Journal de Montréal, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon maintained an assured demeanor throughout the broadcast. He launched measured attacks while praising opposing ideas, effectively projecting the image of a unifying prime minister in waiting. Nadeau awarded the PQ leader a score of 9 out of 10, noting that his prominent positioning in current polling did not subject him to the heavy crossfire experienced by other participants.
Conservative Leader Éric Duhaime Focuses on Cost of Living
Éric Duhaime placed second in the post-debate evaluations, earning an 8 out of 10 from Le Journal de Montréal. The Conservative leader scored points by championing ordinary Quebecers struggling with rising living costs. However, Nadeau observed that Duhaime’s delivery lacked dynamic visual energy.
Coalition Avenir Québec Faces Incumbent Headwinds
Representing the governing party, Christine Fréchette received a 7 out of 10 from Le Journal de Montréal. Her strongest moments involved framing herself as a leader aligned with everyday priorities and advocating for economic stability. At the same time, Nadeau reported that carrying the political baggage of eight consecutive years in power proved difficult, making her delivery appear somewhat mechanical when a sharper debate performance was required.
Liberal Charles Milliard and Québec solidaire’s Ruba Ghazal Struggle to Gain Traction
Liberal contender Charles Milliard finished lower in the evaluations, receiving a 5 out of 10. According to Le Journal de Montréal, Milliard failed to connect with voters through inspiring proposals, while his lack of political experience and subdued personality worked against him on stage. Ruba Ghazal of Québec solidaire, trailing in the polls, received a 6 out of 10. Ghazal highlighted distinct priorities such as environmental protection, but her proposal for state-run grocery stores faltered under direct counterarguments from Éric Duhaime.
Leader Performance Summary
- Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (Parti Québécois): 9 / 10
- Éric Duhaime (Conservative): 8 / 10
- Christine Fréchette (Coalition Avenir Québec): 7 / 10
- Ruba Ghazal (Québec solidaire): 6 / 10
- Charles Milliard (Liberal): 5 / 10
The televised encounter marked a pivotal checkpoint in the 2026 Quebec election campaign, giving voters a direct comparison of the five main political figures ahead of upcoming polling updates.
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