Legault exits amid CAQ crisis
François Legault announced his resignation Wednesday morning. He founded CAQ and led Quebec since 2018. The party won two straight majority governments.
Legault stays until CAQ elects new leader. The timeline leaves months before Oct. 5, 2026 election. Recent polls show CAQ collapsing to 10% support.
Party turmoil accelerated his exit. Ministers quit over doctor payment disputes. Several MNAs left or faced expulsion recently.
Poll collapse fuels leadership change
Pallas Data surveyed 1,100 Quebecers Jan. 9-10. Over 50% rated Legault “very unfavorable.” Parti Québécois dominates polls with referendum pledge.
CAQ lost three by-elections to PQ since 2023. Quebec Liberal Party also seeks new leader after Pablo Rodriguez quit. Political realignment shakes province.
Quebec Premier François Legault announces resignation reflects grim math. Dominant force becomes election underdog suddenly.
Mixed reactions greet departure
PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon praised Legault’s 25-year service. Liberal interim Marc Tanguay wished him well despite differences.
CAQ Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette hailed party transformation. The coalition broke Liberal-PQ dominance since 1970.
FIQ nurses’ union criticized health system legacy. Overcrowded ERs and exhausted staff mark his tenure. Infrastructure crumbled under reactive policies.
Indigenous leaders celebrate change
First Nations chiefs welcomed Legault’s exit. CAQ denied systemic racism throughout his mandate. Manawan Chief Sipi Flamand called it “good news.”
Relations between government and Indigenous communities strained. Recognition battles defined tense years. New leadership offers reconciliation hopes.
Airline founder transformed politics
Legault co-founded Air Transat before politics. He served as PQ MNA from 1998-2009. Later he launched right-of-centre nationalist CAQ.
The party offered identity-focused alternative to independence debate. Economic growth outpaced Ontario under his watch. Energy sector investments marked signature wins.
Northvolt battery plant promised green jobs. Province lost millions when Swedish parent bankrupt. Controversial projects defined ambitious agenda.
Identity politics defined tenure
Bill 96 strengthened French language requirements. Secularism law banned religious symbols for teachers. Daycare workers and public prayer bans followed.
Legault defended cultural protection fiercely. “We should not be embarrassed,” he repeated Wednesday. COVID-19 leadership showed solidarity, he claimed.
Quebec Premier François Legault announces resignation closes nationalist chapter. CAQ scrambles for saviour before PQ referendum threat materializes.
Source: Quebec media coverage of Legault resignation announcement and political reaction.
