QUEBEC / RankWire.AI / – The Parti Québécois has secured victory in Quebec’s provincial election and will form a minority government after winning 59 seats. 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 Quebec’s next premier. This outcome marks the Parti Québécois’ return to government for the first time since 2014, after a 2022 election where it only obtained three seats.
The Quebec Liberal Party finished second with 40 seats and will serve as the official opposition. The Conservative Party of Quebec earned 19 seats, while Québec solidaire gained nine. The Coalition Avenir Québec failed to win any seats after eight years in government. The results represent a significant shift from the 2022 election, when the CAQ captured 90 seats. Quebec’s legislature will now comprise four parties, none with enough seats to govern alone.
Initial estimates put the Parti Québécois at approximately 27.9% of the popular vote. This percentage was sufficient to form the largest caucus, as support was divided among several major parties. The Liberals, Conservatives, CAQ, and Québec solidaire each received substantial votes. Élections Québec continued to classify the election-night totals as preliminary until the official process was completed. The distribution of seats means the incoming government will depend on support from other parties to pass legislation that requires a majority.
Parti Québécois returns to power without an outright majority
The election also brought Quebec sovereignty back into provincial politics’ spotlight. St-Pierre Plamondon has committed to holding another referendum on independence after Donald Trump leaves office. Quebec voters rejected sovereignty in referendums held in 1980 and 1995. The latter resulted in a narrow federalist victory. During the 2026 campaign, the Parti Québécois continued emphasizing independence as a core goal while seeking a broader mandate on provincial issues.
A minority government will require cooperation within the National Assembly on confidence votes and legislation. The Quebec Liberals opposed another sovereignty referendum during the campaign. The Conservatives also rejected holding a new vote on independence. Québec solidaire supports Quebec sovereignty but differs from the Parti Québécois on several policy areas. With 59 seats, the PQ holds the largest bloc but does not have complete control. The final seat count means opposition parties will play a crucial role in voting on legislation.
CAQ eliminated from legislature after consecutive majorities
This election ended the Coalition Avenir Québec’s tenure in power, which began with its 2018 victory. Outgoing Premier Christine Fréchette lost her race in Trois-Rivières, as the party failed to elect any members. The CAQ had achieved consecutive majority governments before its defeat in 2026. Its collapse removed a dominant force from the previous legislature. Fréchette acknowledged the loss, thanked supporters, and conceded after the extent of the party’s defeats became clear, ending eight years of CAQ leadership.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the new premier and stated that Ottawa was ready to collaborate with Quebec’s government. He also expressed gratitude to Fréchette for her service as premier. Carney emphasized that the federal government remains committed to supporting Quebec’s workers and businesses, including those impacted by tariffs. The provincial outcome leaves the Parti Québécois five seats shy of a majority as it prepares to assume office. Quebec now begins a new legislative period under its first PQ government in over ten years.