Quebec's next premier to speak one day after his PQ party won election

As Monday, October 5, 2026 approaches, the leaders of Quebec’s five main parties are making their final pitches to undecided voters. The separatist Parti Québécois (PQ), led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, has been leading in polls throughout the campaign and promises a referendum on independence by 2029, after U.S. President Donald Trump leaves office. Despite PQ's lead, only about 30% of Quebecers support sovereignty, and many are unenthusiastic about any party option.

St-Pierre Plamondon faces criticism from rivals who argue that a referendum would harm the economy and cause political instability. He counters by asserting his opponents are making last-ditch efforts to win votes. About 25% of eligible Quebec voters have already cast their ballots in advanced polls, setting up an election where multiple parties could win seats but none may secure a majority outright.

The PQ’s momentum has come at the expense of other parties like the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which has struggled in recent polls. If elected, the PQ would represent a significant shift from CAQ's eight-year tenure and potentially reignite debates over Quebec sovereignty that have largely taken a backseat since 2014 when former premier Pauline Marois' minority government dissolved.