The leader of the Parti Québécois says Premier François Legault’s decision to step down has reopened the question of Quebec sovereignty and created an opportunity to reset the province’s political direction.

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon said Legault’s tenure demonstrates the limits of seeking greater autonomy within Canada, arguing that Quebec has failed to achieve meaningful gains in key areas such as immigration control and health care after more than seven years under Coalition Avenir Québec rule.

Legault founded the CAQ on the idea of moving beyond the long-standing divide between federalists and sovereigntists, promoting what became known as a “third way” focused on incremental autonomy rather than independence. St-Pierre Plamondon said recent events show that approach has not delivered the results Quebecers were promised.

The Parti Québécois has been gaining support in opinion polls ahead of the next provincial election, currently scheduled for October. The party has pledged to hold a referendum on sovereignty by 2030 if it forms government, placing the issue back at the centre of Quebec politics.

St-Pierre Plamondon also suggested an earlier election may be necessary, citing concerns that the National Assembly could face prolonged uncertainty as Legault remains in office until a new CAQ leader is selected.