Voters in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec have elected the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ), marking the first time in more than a decade that the separatist movement has returned to power. While the party emerged victorious, it fell short of clinching a majority.
The new premier has promised to hold a referendum on secession from Canada during his four-year term, with some goals suggesting a vote by 2028. However, the Parti Québécois warned that a vote on the province's future would not be held before the end of U.S. President Donald Trump's term, deeming that the current context does not offer a calm climate.
The party's rise has been tied to frustrations over affordability and the protection of the French language. While the election tests Prime Minister Mark Carney's message of national unity, the success of the PQ is not seen as a repudiation of Carney's stance toward President Trump, whose trade war and annexation threats have infuriated Canadians.
The victory sets the stage for more strained relations with Prime Minister Carney’s government and a potential showdown with Ottawa over Canada’s future.