PQ in power, CAQ wiped off the map: Key takeaways from Quebec's election

In the Quebec provincial election held on Monday, the separatist Parti Quebecois (PQ) emerged as the leading party, promising another referendum on independence from Canada, but fell short of achieving an outright majority. The PQ, headed by 49-year-old Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, was set to win around 60 of the 127 seats in the National Assembly, just shy of the 64 required for a majority.

However, forming a minority government will necessitate support from opposition parties to pass legislation and withstand confidence votes. Quebec voters had elected the Parti Quebecois with the expectation that they would collaborate with other parties, and the PQ leader confirmed this sentiment. The PQ's return to power also highlights the issue of Quebec's French identity, which constitutes 80% of the population, and includes a commitment to an independence referendum.

The leader, St-Pierre Plamondon, envisions Quebec as an independent country and insists that a referendum would provide Quebecers with the opportunity to determine their future. The jubilant leader, however, emphasized that the referendum would not occur while US President Donald Trump remains in office, insisting that it should be the result of a well-informed and calm debate.

Despite the PQ's victory, it does not necessarily indicate majority support for independence. While the last referendum for independence in 1995 saw a slim majority of 50.58% favoring staying in Canada, recent polls suggest that support for sovereignty has dropped to approximately 30%. If Quebec were to become independent, it would leave the nation politically, economically, and militarily vulnerable, according to 19-year-old Alexia Gomez, who shared her concerns with news agency AFP.

Both the Liberals and Conservatives have also expressed their opposition to an independence referendum, further complicating the PQ's path. The party's pledge to reduce Quebec's ties to the British monarchy, however, may resonate more with Quebecers. The PQ's victory occurs just two weeks before Alberta voters decide whether to support initiating a process toward a referendum on separating from Canada.