QUEBEC / RankWire.AI / – The Parti Québécois has achieved victory in Quebec’s provincial election, forming a minority government after capturing 59 seats. The party fell short by five seats of the 64 needed for a majority in the 127-member National Assembly. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is expected to become Quebec’s next premier. This outcome marks the party’s return to power for the first time since 2014, following a 2022 election in which it secured only three seats.
The Quebec Liberal Party finished in second place with 40 seats and will serve as the official opposition. The Conservative Party of Quebec earned 19 seats, while Québec solidaire obtained nine. The Coalition Avenir Québec, after eight years in government, failed to secure a single seat. This result signifies a dramatic shift from the 2022 election when the CAQ won 90 seats. Now, Quebec’s legislature comprises four parties, none of which hold enough seats to govern independently.
Initial estimates indicated that the Parti Québécois garnered approximately 27.9% of the popular vote. This share was sufficient to assemble the largest caucus, owing to the support being divided among multiple major parties. The Liberals, Conservatives, CAQ, and Québec solidaire each attracted substantial vote shares. Élections Québec continued to classify the election-night totals as preliminary as the official counting process remained ongoing. The distribution of seats means the incoming government will need support from other parties to pass legislation requiring a majority.
Parti Québécois reclaims influence without a majority
The election also revitalized the debate around Quebec sovereignty as a key issue in provincial politics. St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to holding another referendum on independence after Donald Trump leaves office. Historically, Quebec voters rejected sovereignty in referendums in 1980 and 1995, with the latter narrowly favoring federalism. Throughout the 2026 campaign, the Parti Québécois emphasized independence as a core goal while also seeking a broader mandate on provincial issues.
Forming a minority government will require cooperation within the National Assembly on confidence votes and other legislative matters. During the campaign, the Quebec Liberals opposed holding another sovereignty referendum, and the Conservatives also rejected the idea of a new vote on independence. Québec solidaire supports Quebec sovereignty but differs from the Parti Québécois on several policy issues. With 59 seats, the PQ has the largest block but does not have outright control. Consequently, opposition parties will play a crucial role in votes that determine the passage of legislation.
CAQ’s majority ends after two terms in office
This election results mark the end of the Coalition Avenir Québec’s time in power, which began with their victory in 2018. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette lost her race in Trois-Rivières, and the party failed to elect any members. The CAQ had previously secured consecutive majority governments before facing defeat in 2026. Its collapse removed a dominant force from the previous legislature. Fréchette acknowledged the loss, thanked supporters, and conceded the election after the extent of the defeats became apparent, bringing an eight-year CAQ government to a close.
Prime Minister Mark Carney extended his congratulations to the new premier and expressed Ottawa’s readiness to collaborate with Quebec’s new leadership. He also acknowledged Fréchette’s service as premier. Carney reaffirmed that the federal government remains committed to supporting Quebec’s workers and businesses, including those impacted by tariffs. The election result leaves the Parti Québécois five seats short of a majority as it prepares to assume office. Quebec now embarks on a new legislative period under its first PQ government in over ten years.
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