François Legault resigned as premier of Quebec on Wednesday, marking a sudden exit for the leader whose Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party has faced increasing turmoil. Speaking at a press conference in Quebec City, Legault stated that serving as premier had been "the greatest honour of my life."

Legault's resignation follows months of declining popularity for the CAQ, fueled by controversies surrounding several key policies. The party's prospects for the upcoming election have been described as facing a potential "electoral wipeout."

Legault founded the CAQ and led it to consecutive majority governments, beginning in 2018. His tenure was marked by a focus on Quebec nationalism, including controversial legislation on language and secularism. One such policy, Bill 21, which bans religious symbols for some public servants, has drawn considerable criticism from civil rights groups. More recently, the government faced scrutiny over its decision to ban prayer in public institutions.

The resignation leaves the CAQ in a precarious position. Legault will remain in office until the party elects a new leader, a process that could take several months. This period of transition presents a challenge for the CAQ as it seeks to regain public trust and solidify its platform ahead of the next election. The party faces the task of selecting a leader who can unite its base and offer a compelling alternative to the opposition parties.