Separatists win Quebec provincial election in test for Canada's Carney
The separatist Parti Québécois has won Quebec's provincial election, the first separatist party elected in more than a decade, falling short of a majority as leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon pledges a sovereignty referendum before 2029.
Voters in Quebec elected the separatist Parti Québécois (PQ) on Monday, the first separatist party to win power there in more than a decade. Radio-Canada declared the PQ the winner shortly before 8:40 p.m. Montreal time, with CBC and private outlets projecting it would form the next government — a minority, falling short of the 64 seats needed in the 127-seat legislature (Japan Times; CNA). Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, 49, a lawyer, is set to become Quebec’s next premier (CNA; SCMP).
Addressing supporters in Montreal, Plamondon invoked “the courageous struggle” francophones have endured, saying it “will find meaning when (francophones) obtain their own country”. “We deserve it,” he said. He has promised a referendum during a first four-year term, but not while Donald Trump is US president — not wanting the debate “hijacked by the theatrics of an unpredictable president”. None is expected before 2029.
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated him, saying “building a stronger Quebec is core to our mission of building a stronger Canada”. The result was not seen as a repudiation of Carney, who stays popular in Quebec; the PQ’s rise was tied to frustration over affordability and protecting the French language. Surveys suggest only around 30% of Quebecers want independence, and both the Liberals and Conservatives — the largest opposition parties — say they would never back a referendum.
Quebec held sovereignty referendums in 1980, won comfortably by federalists, and in 1995, when 50.58% voted to stay; Alberta votes in two weeks on beginning the process of leaving Canada.
More on this topic: all World stories
