### Quebec Premier François Legault Resigns Amidst Party's Declining Popularity - François Legault, the Premier of Quebec, announced his resignation on January 14, 2026, after a seven-year tenure that began with notable successes during the early pandemic but ended with significant unpopularity and party defections. His Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party is currently polling at just 10%, trailing behind rivals as the October provincial election approaches. Legault will remain in office until a new leader is selected, a process that is expected to begin immediately as the party seeks to revitalize its image and regain voter support [https://thedeepdive.ca/quebec-premier-legault-resigns-as-party-drops-to-10-in-polls][https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/01/15/quebec-premier-francois-legaults-party-facing-challenges-after-his-resignation]. ### Structure of the Resignation Announcement and Its Implications 1. **Announcement of Resignation**: Legault's resignation was made public during a press conference, where he expressed the need for a new direction for the party [https://montreal.citynews.ca/2026/01/14/francois-legault-resigns-as-quebec-premier]. 2. **Context of Declining Popularity**: The CAQ has faced a dramatic drop in support, with recent polls indicating only 10% approval, a stark contrast to their previous standing [https://thedeepdive.ca/quebec-premier-legault-resigns-as-party-drops-to-10-in-polls]. 3. **Leadership Transition**: The party's executive team is set to meet to discuss the leadership transition, which is crucial given the impending provincial election [https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/01/15/quebec-premier-francois-legaults-party-facing-challenges-after-his-resignation]. 4. **Political Legacy**: Legault's tenure has been marked by both achievements and controversies, leading to a complex legacy that will influence the party's future [https://theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-francois-legault-quebec-premier-divides]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Poll Results**: The Coalition Avenir Québec is currently polling at **10%**, a significant decline from previous election cycles [https://thedeepdive.ca/quebec-premier-legault-resigns-as-party-drops-to-10-in-polls]. - **Timeline of Leadership**: Legault has been in power for over seven years, with his leadership characterized by early pandemic successes that later gave way to public dissatisfaction [https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/national-news/2026/01/14/a-timeline-of-quebec-premier-francois-legaults-political-career-as-he-resigns]. - **Upcoming Election**: The next provincial election is scheduled for **October 2026**, creating urgency for the CAQ to select a new leader [https://montreal.citynews.ca/2026/01/14/francois-legault-resigns-as-quebec-premier]. ### Conclusion: The Future of the Coalition Avenir Québec - **Immediate Leadership Challenge**: The CAQ must quickly identify a new leader to restore confidence and support ahead of the October election. - **Voter Sentiment**: With current polling at a historic low, the party faces an uphill battle to regain the trust of Quebec voters. - **Legacy Considerations**: Legault's resignation marks a pivotal moment for the CAQ, as it seeks to redefine its identity and address the issues that led to its decline in popularity. 1. Legault's resignation is a response to the party's poor polling and internal challenges. 2. The CAQ's leadership transition is critical for its future electoral prospects. 3. The party's ability to adapt and respond to voter concerns will determine its success in the upcoming election [https://thedeepdive.ca/quebec-premier-legault-resigns-as-party-drops-to-10-in-polls][https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/01/15/quebec-premier-francois-legaults-party-facing-challenges-after-his-resignation].