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MONTREAL \u2014 Quebec Premier Fran\u00e7ois Legault has announced he is resigning, triggering a leadership race with only months to go before the fall provincial election.<\/p>\n
Legault told reporters in Quebec City that he would remain in his position until a new leader is chosen for his Coalition Avenir Qu\u00e9bec party.<\/p>\n
\u201cI see well that right now Quebecers want change first, and among other things, a change of premier,\u201d he said. \u201cFor the good of my party and especially for the good of Quebec, I am announcing today that I will leave my position as Quebec premier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Legault\u2019s convincing election victory in 2018 marked the start of a new era in Quebec politics, ending nearly 50 years of Liberal and Parti Qu\u00e9b\u00e9cois rule.<\/p>\n
The 68-year-old Air Transat co-founder led his party to a second straight victory in 2022, buoyed by his popularity among francophones, the fragmentation of the opposition and the sustained visibility he obtained during the COVID-19 pandemic. \u00a0<\/p>\n
But in more recent times Legault\u2019s party has been beset by struggles including a ballooning deficit, a scandal at the province\u2019s auto insurance board and hostile negotiations with the province\u2019s doctors that led to the resignation to two of his cabinet ministers.<\/p>\n
Including Christian Dub\u00e9 and Lionel Carmant \u2013 who left their cabinet posts amid the doctor talks \u2013 the party lost six legislature members in 2025.<\/p>\n
In his resignation speech, Legault said he hoped the next election would be focused on the big challenges facing Quebec, such as the economy and protecting the French language, rather than a desire for change.<\/p>\n
The next provincial election is scheduled for October 5.<\/p>\n
\u00a92025 The Canadian Press<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n