QUEBEC / RankWire.AI / – The Parti Québécois secured victory in Quebec’s provincial election, resulting in a minority government after winning 59 seats. The party fell short of the 64 seats needed for a majority in the 127-member National Assembly by five. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to become Quebec’s next premier. This marks the party’s return to governance for the first time since 2014, following a 2022 election where it only obtained three seats.
The Quebec Liberal Party finished second with 40 seats and will serve as the official opposition. The Conservative Party of Quebec claimed 19 seats, while Québec solidaire earned nine. The Coalition Avenir Québec, after eight years in office, lost all representation. These results represent a major shift from the 2022 election, where the CAQ held 90 seats. The new legislature will comprise four parties, none holding a majority alone.
Preliminary data indicated the Parti Québécois garnered about 27.9% of the popular vote. This percentage was sufficient to create the largest caucus, as votes were split among several key parties. The Liberals, Conservatives, CAQ, and Québec solidaire all received substantial support. Élections Québec continued to classify the initial totals as preliminary, with the official count still underway. The seat distribution means the incoming government will rely on support from other parties to pass legislation requiring a majority.
Parti Québécois returns to power without an outright majority
The election also revived Quebec sovereignty as a central issue in provincial politics. St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to holding another referendum on independence once U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office. Historically, Quebec voters rejected sovereignty in 1980 and 1995 referendums, with the latter producing a narrow federalist victory. During the 2026 campaign, the Parti Québécois emphasized independence as a key goal while also seeking a broader mandate on provincial matters.
A minority government will require cooperation among parties on confidence votes and legislation. During the campaign, the Quebec Liberals opposed a new sovereignty referendum, as did the Conservatives. Québec solidaire supports Quebec sovereignty but differs from the PQ on various policies. With 59 seats, the PQ has the largest bloc but no absolute control, placing opposition parties in a pivotal position to influence legislation.
CAQ eliminated from legislature after consecutive majorities
This outcome ends the Coalition Avenir Québec’s time in power, which began with its 2018 victory. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette lost her race in Trois-Rivières, and the party failed to elect any members overall. The CAQ had secured successive majority governments before this defeat in 2026. Its collapse marks the end of an eight-year period during which the party dominated the provincial legislature. Fréchette acknowledged the result, thanking supporters after the significant losses, concluding the CAQ’s governance era.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the new premier and stated that Ottawa was ready to collaborate with Quebec’s government. He also expressed appreciation to Fréchette for her service as premier. Carney reaffirmed that the federal government remains committed to supporting Quebec’s workers and businesses, including those impacted by tariffs. With 59 seats, the Parti Québécois is five seats short of a majority as it prepares to assume office, marking Quebec’s first PQ-led government in over a decade.