Quebec premier François Legault resigns amid political turmoil
Quebec Premier François Legault announced his resignation on Wednesday, stepping down after months of declining public support and less than a year before provincial elections that could bring a sovereigntist party to power.
Speaking briefly to reporters, a visibly emotional Legault said he was leaving office “for the good of my party and, above all, for the good of Quebec.” The 68-year-old leader did not elaborate on the reasons for his decision and left without taking questions.
In power since 2018, Legault had previously stated his intention to remain in office until the October provincial vote. However, his political position had weakened significantly, with recent polls ranking his party, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), near the bottom among major political forces in the province.
The latest surveys show the Parti Québécois, led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leading voter intentions. The party has pledged to hold a referendum on Quebec’s independence if elected, reigniting a long-standing debate over the province’s future within Canada.
Legault acknowledged growing public demand for change, while his government has faced internal challenges, including cabinet resignations and public criticism over healthcare reforms and cost overruns related to a major government digital platform.
Before entering politics, François Legault was a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of the airline Air Transat. He later served as minister of education and minister of health before becoming premier. He will remain in office temporarily until his party selects a successor.
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