Quebec Premier Resigns Amid Rising Separatist Support

François Legault, the Premier of Quebec, announced his resignation on Wednesday, influenced by a significant rise in support for a separatist party that could potentially lead Quebec to exit Canada. This decision came just ahead of the provincial elections scheduled for October 5.

During a statement at the Quebec City Council, Legault expressed his views, noting that support for his party, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has plummeted to around 10 percent. In contrast, the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) is projected to seize a majority with approximately 31% backing, as indicated by a Pallas Data poll.

PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to organizing a referendum on independence if his party wins. This situation brings back memories of 1995 when Quebec narrowly voted against sovereignty, with only 50.58% choosing to remain in Canada—a close call that could resonate during a time of economic uncertainty.

Daniel Behrand, a political science professor at McGill University, remarked that Legault is now deemed “the country’s least popular prime minister,” according to a report by The Associated Press.

Behrand cautioned that now is not the best moment to push for independence. He mentioned that the current political climate, particularly with Donald Trump in the White House, ought to make supporters of a referendum reconsider their stance.

The CAQ has faced turmoil, with two cabinet ministers resigning in the fall of 2025 due to policy differences. Legault, acknowledging the public’s desire for change, stated, “We know that many Quebecers expect and want change and a change in premiership,” during a CBC news conference.

Despite the turmoil, Legault defended his record over the past seven years. He admitted there were failures but emphasized that there were also significant successes. He founded the CAQ and led it to majority victories in 2018 and 2022. For now, Legault will stay in his position until a successor is appointed.