Legault believes his Coalition Avenir Québec party will stay relevant after he leaves

By Canadian Press on January 21, 2026.

MONTREAL — Quebec Premier François Legault says he’s confident the party he co-founded will remain relevant after he is replaced as leader.

He told reporters in Quebec City today that the Coalition Avenir Québec remains the best party to balance the needs of the economy and protecting the French language.

Legault spoke to media for the first time since he announced his intention to step down as premier and CAQ leader ahead of October’s provincial election.

Legault formed the party in 2011 as an alternative to the federalist-sovereigntist binary choice that had dominated the province’s politics for decades, promising a party that would fight for greater provincial autonomy within Canada.

He said the poll-leading Parti Québécois would hurt the economy and the official Opposition Liberals won’t do enough to reverse the decline of French in the Montreal area.

He also said he’s not currently planning to prorogue the session of the legislature that opens next month, because he feels its work can continue despite the CAQ leadership race.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2026.

The Canadian Press