A landslide gain in seats and vote share for Quebec’s separatist Parti Québécois has reignited debates over the province’s future—but its failure to secure a majority government has effectively stalled plans for an independence referendum. Despite doubling its support since 2022 and winning back power after a decade out of office, the party fell five seats short of a majority, leaving its promised vote on sovereignty in limbo. The setback comes as tensions with Canada’s federal government, particularly over trade disputes with the U.S., add complexity to the political landscape. With the PQ’s key timeline now uncertain, the path to a potential referendum remains unclear.
Lack of majority for Parti Québécois puts any referendum in doubt, especially amid bruising trade war with TrumpThe victory of the Parti Québécois in Monday’s election in Quebec might seem to bring its signature goal, of separating the French-speaking province from Canada, much closer – but Canadian unity may not be nearly as threatened as may first seem.The PQ’s victory was both impressive and disappointing. The party added 56 seats to its roster and more than doubled its vote share compared to the 2022 election, giving it its first taste of power in 14 years. Crucially, however, it was left five seats short of a majority, making its promise to hold a referendum after Donald Trump leaves office in 2028 nearly impossible. Continue reading...
