Parti Québécois wins Quebec election but falls short of majority

The separatist Parti Québécois has secured power in Quebec for the first time in 14 years following Monday's election. While the party leader has pledged to hold a referendum on secession during his term, the victory left the party five seats short of a majority.

The Parti Québécois (PQ) added 56 seats and more than doubled its vote share compared to the 2022 election. However, The Guardian reported that the party won with only 28% of the popular vote—the lowest for any government in Canada’s history according to analyst Philippe Fournier—and failed to secure an outright majority. This lack of a majority is expected to complicate the party's promise to hold a referendum on independence from Canada.

The new premier has committed to a secession vote within his four-year term, but faces significant obstacles. The Guardian noted that 70% of Quebecers do not want a referendum, and many are averse to a renewed constitutional debate while facing trade tensions and tariffs from Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney remains the most popular politician in the province due to his resistance to the U.S. administration, according to the same report.

The International homepage reported that the separatist victory in the French-speaking province represents a new test for Prime Minister Carney’s united front. This comes as the Prime Minister also faces a sovereignty challenge from the western province of Alberta. The PQ leader, Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, adopted a collaborative tone in his victory speech, addressing the crowd in English and pledging to work with the rest of the country.

The new government's other initiatives may also face opposition, including plans to reduce immigration and abolish the monarchy. The Guardian reported that the PQ leader announced he would prevent the lieutenant governor, who represents the British crown, from swearing in the new government. Business and farming communities have also expressed anger over proposed cuts to immigration levels.

Background

The election marks the Parti Québécois' first taste of power in 14 years. It follows a 30-year period during which the province largely avoided major debates regarding its place within Canada.