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François Legault to Resign as Quebec Premier, Triggering CAQ Leadership Race Ahead of Fall Election

The leadership race will unfold just months before an Oct. 5 election with the Parti Québécois leading polls.

Overview

  • Legault announced he will step down, saying many Quebecers want a change in premier after more than seven years in office.
  • He will remain in the role until the Coalition Avenir Québec chooses a successor, as the party executive moves to set the leadership contest timeline.
  • Quebec votes on Oct. 5, and recent surveys show the Parti Québécois in first place with the CAQ trailing after a steep drop in support.
  • PQ leader Paul St‑Pierre Plamondon has pledged to hold another independence referendum if his party forms the next government.
  • The CAQ’s decline followed cabinet departures and governance controversies, including major cost overruns at the provincial automobile insurance board.