Quebec Premier François Legault Resigns Ahead of Elections

Quebec Premier François Legault announced his resignation on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, after seven years in power. The resignation comes ahead of a general election expected next fall, following a decline in popularity attributed to policy missteps. Legault, who initially gained popularity during the pandemic, stated his hope that the next election would focus on key issues facing Quebec, such as the economy and the French language. He will step down after his party, Coalition Avenir Québec, selects a new leader. His departure could significantly impact the political landscape, potentially strengthening the pro-separatist Parti Québécois, which currently leads in the polls. Legault's party opposes separatist efforts.

Quebec Premier François Legault unexpectedly resigned from his position, citing pride in founding the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party and leading it to consecutive majority governments since 2018. He will remain in office until the CAQ selects a new leader, a process expected to take months, leaving the party with limited time before the upcoming November provincial election. Legault's resignation follows a period of turmoil for the CAQ, marked by ministerial resignations, scandals involving cost overruns in government projects, and controversies surrounding policies on secularism and French language protection. The CAQ government has faced criticism for a law impacting doctor compensation, a problematic online portal modernization, and legislation like Bill 21, which restricts the wearing of religious symbols for certain public sector employees. Recent polling suggested the CAQ faced a potential electoral defeat.