Quebec's political landscape has shifted dramatically as the Parti Quebecois claims a minority government. Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to become the next premier following a massive electoral upset.
The total erasure of the Coalition Avenir Quebec
The Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) has suffered a catastrophic defeat, falling from 79 seats to a projected zero in this election cycle. as reported by the source, the party's leader, Christine Frechette, failed to retain her seat in Trois-Rivieres, marking a complete collapse of the administration that had ruled for eight years. despite securing 569,867 votes, the CAQ's 13.33% share was insufficient to maintain any legislative presence.
This collapse represents a complete reversal of the 2022 election results. The source notes that the CAQ once ruled the National Assembly with 90 seats,but the current results suggest the party has been entirely wiped off the map.
From 3 seats to 59: The Parti Quebecois resurgence
The Parti Quebecois has transformed from a marginal force with only three seats in 2022 to a governing party with 59 seats. This surge was fueled by a desire for change and a platform centered on sovereignty and strict immigration controls. Premier-designate Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has signaled that his administration will eventually pursue a third sovereignty referendum, though he noted this would not occur until after Donald Trump departs the White House in 2029.
The party's comeback is particularly notable given its recent struggles. According to the report, the PQ held only seven seats at the start of the campaign, following several byelection wins that helped rebuild their momentum.
Eric Duhaime's 19 seats and the Liberal opposition
The Quebec Conservatives have established a significant new presence in the National Assembly, jumping from zero seats to a projected 19. Leader Eric Duhaime, who won his seat in Bellechasse,intnds to act as a "guard dog" for taxpayers to prevent a referendum. Meanwhile, the Quebec Liberals, led by Charles Milliard, will form the Official Opposition with 40 projected seats.
Political tensions were visible during the election night proceedings. As the source states, St-Pierre Plamondon broke convention by speaking before Milliard, a move that caused visible dismay among Liberal supporters. Milliard has already drawn a hard line, stating there will be "no way" the Liberals will collaborate on any referendum efforts.
The 39-vote margin in Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne
Small margins defined several key battles across the province, most notably in the Montreal riding of Saint-Henri-Sainte-Anne. In a razor-thin contest, Liberal candidate Benoit Clermont defeated Quebec Solidaire's Guillaume Cliche-Rivard by a mere 39 votes. This victory, secured with 13,340 votes against 13,301, highlights the intense competition for the urban vote in Montreal.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada emphasized the importance of this urban center, noting that the city's progress benefits all of Quebec. The election results in Montreal remain a critical battleground for the province's economic and social future.
How the PQ will fund its social promises
A minority government faces significant hurdles in implementing its ambitious legislative agenda, which includes abolishing the monarchy and halving temporary immigration. The report does not clarify how the PQ intends to fund its plan to divert lieutenant-governor expenses toward tackling homelessness. Furthermore, the source provides no perspective from the CAQ regarding their total loss, leaving the reasons for their collapse largely one-sided.
The legislative math remains precarious for the new government. The report notes that a CTV decision desk analysis suggests roughly 2,670 votes across five ridings made the difference between a PQ minority and a majority, meaning every single vote will be critical for St-Pierre Plamondon's ability to pass laws.
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