Quebec’s political scene is undergoing changes after Premier François Legault unexpectedly announced his resignation last week following over seven years in office. Legault, the founder of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in 2011, leading it to consecutive majority wins in 2018 and 2022, pointed to dwindling support and a desire for new direction among Quebec residents as reasons for his decision. He will continue in his role until the CAQ selects a new leader, with the upcoming provincial election set for Oct. 5.
Recent surveys indicate that the Parti Québécois (PQ) is currently ahead, with plans for a sovereignty referendum in the near term, while both the CAQ and the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) are undergoing leadership changes amid internal challenges. Despite the ongoing leadership selection process, the Quebec Liberals are polling higher than the CAQ.
Québec Solidaire (QS) is facing difficulties in the polls, with co-spokespeople Ruba Ghazal and Sol Zanetti leading the party. The current status of Quebec’s political parties raises questions about their positioning.
Parti Québécois (PQ) leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon believes Legault’s resignation signals a need for governmental change and an independent Quebec. The PQ has increased its seat count to six from three in 2022, with support for independence holding steady at around 35%, particularly appealing to younger Quebecers. St-Pierre Plamondon has criticized Legault’s approach, advocating for a choice between maintaining the status quo or pursuing independence.
Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and Legault’s popularity have seen a decline, with recent polls showing only a 10% intention to vote for the party. Despite securing 90 seats in the 2022 election, the CAQ now holds 79 seats. The party is gearing up for a leadership change, with multiple potential candidates considering running for leadership, including Christine Fréchette and Finance Minister Eric Girard.
Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) is navigating a leadership race after Pablo Rodriguez’s resignation amid allegations of a vote-buying scandal. Current interim leader Marc Tanguay is overseeing the party during this transition. Charles Milliard and Mario Roy are among the candidates vying for the leadership position, with the PLQ experiencing fluctuations in voter support.
Québec Solidaire (QS) is facing challenges in the polls, with predictions of potential seat losses in the upcoming election. The party, under the leadership of Ghazal and Zanetti, focuses on feminist, environmental, and workers’ rights issues. Former co-spokesperson Manon Massé announced her retirement from politics, citing internal party conflicts, as QS aims to regain electoral strength following recent setbacks.