QUEBEC / RankWire.AI / – The Parti Québécois has secured 59 seats in Quebec’s provincial election, paving the way for a minority government. Although the party fell five seats short of the 64 needed for a majority in the 127-member National Assembly, leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is expected to become the next premier of Quebec. This election marks the Parti Québécois’s return to power for the first time since 2014, after capturing only three seats in 2022.
The Quebec Liberal Party finished second with 40 seats, earning the status of official opposition. The Conservative Party of Quebec gained 19 seats, while Québec solidaire took nine. After eight years in office, the Coalition Avenir Québec was unable to secure a single seat. The election results represent a significant shift from 2022 when the CAQ achieved a majority with 90 seats. The new legislature will feature four parties, none of which possess enough seats to govern independently.
Initial data indicated that the Parti Québécois garnered approximately 27.9% of the popular vote. Despite this relatively modest share, it resulted in the largest caucus because votes were split among several major parties. The Liberals, Conservatives, CAQ, and Québec solidaire each attracted substantial support. Élections Québec continued to consider the election-night figures preliminary while the official tally was still in progress. The distribution of seats now depends on the incoming government securing support from other parties to pass legislation that requires a majority.
Parti Québécois reclaims influence without holding a majority
The election has once again brought Quebec sovereignty to the forefront of provincial politics. St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to holding a subsequent referendum on independence after Donald Trump leaves office. Quebec voters rejected sovereignty in referendums held in 1980 and 1995, with the latter resulting in a narrow federalist victory. Throughout the 2026 campaign, the Parti Québécois emphasized independence as a key political goal while also seeking a broader mandate on provincial issues.
A minority government will necessitate cooperation within the National Assembly on confidence votes and other legislative matters. During the campaign, the Quebec Liberals opposed another referendum on sovereignty, and the Conservatives also rejected the idea of holding a new vote. Québec solidaire supports Quebec sovereignty but differs from the Parti Québécois on several policy issues. With 59 seats, the PQ holds the largest block but does not have outright control, leaving opposition parties with a significant role in votes that determine legislative approval.
CAQ’s dominance ends after two consecutive majorities
The election concluded the Coalition Avenir Québec’s time in power, which began with its victory in 2018. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette lost her race in Trois-Rivières as the party failed to elect any representatives. The CAQ had previously secured consecutive majority governments before the 2026 defeat. The party’s collapse ended its eight-year hold on power, removing a dominant force from Quebec’s legislature. Fréchette acknowledged the results and thanked supporters after the extent of the losses was revealed, marking the end of nearly a decade of CAQ governance.
Prime Minister Mark Carney extended congratulations to the incoming premier and affirmed Ottawa’s readiness to collaborate with Quebec’s new government. He also expressed gratitude to Fréchette for her leadership as premier. Carney emphasized that the federal government remains committed to supporting Quebec’s workers and businesses, including those impacted by tariffs. The election results leave the Parti Québécois five seats short of a majority as it prepares to assume office. Quebec is now entering a new legislative chapter under its first PQ government in more than ten years.
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