QUEBEC / RankWire.AI / – The Parti Québécois emerged victorious in Quebec’s provincial election, gaining enough seats to form a government, albeit a minority one, with a total of 59 seats. This result falls five seats short of the 64 needed for an outright majority in the 127-member National Assembly. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is poised to become Quebec’s next premier. This marks the party’s return to power for the first time since 2014, after a 2022 election in which it secured only three seats.
The Quebec Liberal Party finished second, capturing 40 seats and becoming the official opposition. The Conservative Party of Quebec claimed 19 seats, while Québec solidaire gained nine. The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) failed to win a single seat after holding power for eight years. This outcome represents a significant shift from the 2022 election, when the CAQ secured 90 seats. The legislature will now consist of four parties, with none having enough seats to govern independently.
Initial estimates indicated that the Parti Québécois garnered approximately 27.9% of the popular vote. Despite this relatively modest share, it allowed the party to form the largest caucus because voter support was split among several major parties. The Liberals, Conservatives, CAQ, and Québec solidaire each attracted substantial portions of the electorate. Élections Québec continued to classify the election-night results as preliminary while the official count was ongoing. The distribution of seats means the incoming government will need support from other parties to pass legislation requiring a majority.
Parti Québécois Reclaims Power Without Securing a Majority
The election also brought the issue of Quebec sovereignty back to the forefront of provincial politics. St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to holding another referendum on independence following U.S. President Donald Trump leaving office. Historically, Quebec voters have rejected sovereignty in referendums held in 1980 and 1995, the latter resulting in a narrow federalist victory. During the 2026 campaign, the Parti Québécois emphasized independence as a core goal while also seeking a mandate on broader provincial issues.
A minority government will depend on cooperation among parties within the National Assembly for confidence votes and legislative decisions. During the campaign, the Quebec Liberals opposed another referendum on sovereignty, and the Conservatives also rejected a new vote on independence. Although Québec solidaire supports Quebec sovereignty, it differs from the Parti Québécois on several policy issues. With 59 seats, the PQ holds the largest bloc but does not hold exclusive control, making opposition parties influential in legislative votes.
CAQ’s Hold on Power Ends After Two Majorities
The election results ended the Coalition Avenir Québec’s time in government, which began with its victory in 2018. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette was defeated in Trois-Rivières as the party failed to elect any members. Prior to this defeat, the CAQ had won consecutive majority governments. Their collapse marks the end of an eight-year period of CAQ leadership. Fréchette acknowledged the loss, thanking supporters after the extent of the party’s losses became clear.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the new premier and expressed Ottawa’s readiness to collaborate with Quebec’s government. He also extended gratitude to Fréchette for her service as premier. Carney emphasized that the federal government remains committed to supporting Quebec’s workers and businesses, including those impacted by tariffs. The election outcome leaves the Parti Québécois five seats short of a majority, as it prepares to assume office. Quebec now enters a new legislative phase under its first PQ government in over a decade.