Legault's 'third way' Quebec nationalism is diminished but not gone after his resignation

Premier François Legault's resignation has reopened debate over the Coalition Avenir Québec's 'third way' nationalism, with the Parti Québécois leading polls and a scheduled Oct. 5 election ahead.

François Legault's announcement that he will step down has prompted renewed debate about the future of the Coalition Avenir Québec's so-called "third way" nationalism. That approach combined a strong defence of Quebec's autonomy with a rejection of independence referendums. Legault's style and policies moved the provincial conversation away from the old sovereignty-versus-federalism divide during his time in office. His resignation raises questions about whether that middle path will survive the next election and the CAQ's leadership contest. Key facts: - The CAQ's "third way" mixed robust Quebec nationalism with opposition to independence referendums and shaped the party under Legault. - Columnists and some opponents have suggested that Legault's resignation brings the national question back into prominence in Quebec politics. - The Parti Québécois was reported as leading in polls and has said it would hold a sovereignty referendum in its first mandate. - Support for independence was reported around 35 percent, while about two-thirds of Quebeckers were said to want to avoid a third referendum, according to Daniel Béland. - The CAQ faces a leadership race in the coming months, and several current and former cabinet ministers have been floated as possible successors; the Quebec Liberals were also reported as without a leader and expected to choose a replacement by March. Summary: Legault's resignation has put the question of Quebec's constitutional future back on the political agenda and could influence party positioning ahead of the Oct. 5 election. The CAQ leadership contest will be a key moment for those inside the party to outline competing visions of Quebec's relationship with Canada. How parties and voters respond during the campaign will shape the province's political direction in the months ahead.