Legault Resigns as Quebec Premier Ahead of 2026 Election

On Jan. 14, 2024 Quebec's premier François Legault announced his resignation in a National Assembly speech, ending his tenure that began with two majority mandates in 2018 and 2022. He will remain in office until the Coalition Avenir Québec nominates a successor, as the party faces steep polling declines—just 19 % current support compared to 35 % for the Parti Québécois and 20 % for the Liberals. The general election is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2026, giving the CAQ less than a year to select a new leader. The retirement follows a series of cabinet resignations and internal criticism over secularism bills and economic disputes such as the Churchill Falls memorandum. Legault’s exit marks a major shift in Quebec’s political landscape.