François Legault resigned as premier of Quebec on Wednesday, marking a sudden end to his leadership of the province. Speaking at a press conference in Quebec City, Legault stated that serving as premier was "the greatest honour of my life."
Legault's resignation follows a period of instability within the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party. He founded the CAQ and led it to consecutive majority governments beginning in 2018.
The reasons behind Legault's departure were not explicitly stated, though the CAQ has faced declining popularity in recent months, raising concerns about the party's prospects in future elections. His tenure was marked by significant policy decisions, including controversial legislation on secularism and language, which aimed to reinforce Quebec's cultural identity. These policies, while supported by some, drew criticism from civil rights groups and raised questions about their impact on minority communities. One such policy involved restrictions on religious symbols worn by public servants.
Legault will remain in office until the CAQ selects a new leader. The timeline for this selection process is currently unclear, but it is expected to take several months. This interim period leaves the CAQ in a potentially vulnerable position as it navigates the leadership transition. The party faces the challenge of maintaining stability and unity while also seeking to regain public trust and support.
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