Parti Québécois leads crowded field into Quebec election vote

Quebec voters head to the polls on Monday in a provincial election marked by a crowded field and shifting momentum. The Parti Québécois, led by Paul StPierre Plamondon, appears to have pulled ahead late in the campaign, with debate centered on the economy, cost of living and the prospect of another sovereignty referendum. The PQ’s rise comes after winning only three seats in 2022, and analysts say its gains have been helped by a drop in support for the governing Coalition Avenir Québec. Political observers also point to missteps by CAQ leader Christine Fréchette, while noting that the race still includes five parties with a realistic path to representation. The Liberals, led by Charles Milliard, are pitching themselves as the main federalist option, while the Conservatives under Éric Duhaime are focusing on tax cuts, smaller government and opposition to a future referendum. Québec Solidaire has struggled to expand beyond its Montreal base. Whatever the outcome, analysts expect the next legislature to be more fragmented and likely to require cooperation among parties.