Quebec separatists projected to form minority government after election win

The separatist Parti Québécois is projected to have won Quebec's provincial election and to form a minority government. The result returns the party to power for the first time since 2014, with leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon set to become premier.

The party won 28% of the popular vote, the largest share among the parties, but fell short of the 64 seats needed for a majority. It will need opposition support to pass major measures.

Referendum requires opposition backing

Plamondon has pledged to seek a referendum on Quebec's independence from Canada. In his victory speech, he said the province's “national destiny will be achieved one day” while promising to be premier for everyone in Quebec.

Quebec held independence referendums in 1980 and 1995; both were defeated. Polls indicate that about 30% of Quebecers currently support independence.

Plamondon has previously said a vote would come after Donald Trump's US presidency ends, under conditions allowing for an “informed and serene debate”. If he carries out that pledge, the referendum could be scheduled for 2029 or 2030.

The left-leaning sovereigntist Québec Solidaire won nine seats and could potentially support the PQ. Quebec Liberal leader Charles Milliard said his party, which won 40 seats, would cooperate on some issues but would not support a referendum.

Tensions with Ottawa

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Plamondon on his victory. Asked about a possible referendum, Carney said he was focused on Canada's current challenges rather than issues “a few years down the road”.

Quebec's new government may also clash with Ottawa over immigration and other provincial matters. Plamondon has said he would oppose any increase in immigration imposed by the federal government.

He has pledged to abolish the monarchy in Quebec and redirect money linked to its institutions to social programmes, including efforts to tackle homelessness. Cutting funding for the lieutenant-governor's office, which represents King Charles III, could face legal challenges because of the monarchy's constitutional role in Canada.

Defeat of the previous governing party

The result was partly attributed to voter fatigue with Coalition Avenir Québec, which governed the province for eight years. The party was projected to win no seats.

The Quebec Liberals finished second by seat count, while the Conservatives also increased their representation. Outgoing premier Christine Fréchette lost her race in Trois-Rivières and said she would help with the transition.