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Jan 14, 2026 5:20 PM - Connect Newsroom - Jasmine Singh with files from The Canadian Press
Quebec Premier François Legault says he will step down as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, confirming he will not take the party into the provincial election scheduled for this fall.
Legault told reporters in Quebec City that he intends to remain premier until a new CAQ leader is selected, setting off a leadership race with only months remaining before voters head to the polls on October 5.
The announcement comes as the governing party faces declining public support. Recent polling places the CAQ well behind both the Parti Québécois and the Quebec Liberal Party, marking a significant shift from the party’s dominant position in the last two elections.
The government has been under pressure on several fronts, including a growing provincial deficit, controversy surrounding Quebec’s auto insurance board, and tense negotiations with medical professionals. Those talks contributed to the recent resignations of two cabinet ministers, further highlighting internal challenges.
Legault first led the CAQ to power in 2018 and secured a second consecutive majority government in 2022. His departure signals a major transition for the party as it prepares for a closely watched election year.
