Legault says CAQ will remain relevant after his resignation

Quebec Premier François Legault said the Coalition Avenir Québec will remain a political force after he steps down, and he told reporters he is not planning to prorogue the legislature ahead of the October election.

Quebec Premier François Legault said he is confident the party he co‑founded will remain a political force after he steps down as premier and CAQ leader. He told reporters in Quebec City that the Coalition Avenir Québec balances the needs of the economy with protecting the French language. Legault formed the CAQ in 2011 as an alternative to the federalist‑sovereigntist divide. He made the remarks after announcing his intention to resign ahead of the provincial election in October. Key points: - Legault said the CAQ’s founding aim is prosperity within Canada while seeking more autonomy to defend language and values. - He said there is still room in the party for people who identify as sovereigntist provided they accept working within Canada. - The party has not yet announced the rules for its leadership race; Economy Minister Christine Fréchette, Justice Minister Simon Jolin‑Barrette and Environment Minister Bernard Drainville have said they are considering runs. - Finance Minister Éric Girard ruled out a leadership bid and said he plans to run for a third term in October. - Municipal Affairs Minister Geneviève Guilbault and Education Minister Sonia LeBel said they will not run for leader and will leave politics at the end of the current term. - Legault said he does not currently plan to prorogue the legislature and that he will not endorse a successor. Summary: Legault presented the CAQ as positioned between federalist and sovereigntist options and argued it can address both economic concerns and protection of the French language. The party now faces a leadership contest that requires setting formal rules and seeing which ministers will enter the race ahead of the October provincial election.