François Legault aimed to bridge Quebec's divides but widened them

François Legault resigned as Quebec premier, leaving the Coalition Avenir Québec without a clear successor and opening the provincial contest ahead of an October 2026 election.

François Legault has resigned as Quebec's premier and as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec. He founded the CAQ in 2011 with the stated aim of moving Quebec politics beyond the sovereignist–federalist divide. During his time in office his government introduced contested secular and language measures and faced governance setbacks that eroded public support. His sudden departure comes with the province less settled than when he took office. Key facts: - François Legault announced his resignation and stepped down as premier and CAQ leader. - The Coalition Avenir Québec is left without an obvious successor and faces renewed competition from the Parti Québécois, the Liberals, the Quebec Conservative Party and Québec Solidaire. - A provincial election is scheduled for October 2026, leaving the political scene wide open. Summary: Legault's resignation leaves the CAQ without an obvious leader and makes the provincial scene competitive ahead of the October 2026 election. The outcome of that vote will determine which party leads Quebec into the next legislative term.