The Decibel

What Legault’s resignation means for Quebec

23 snips
Jan 20, 2026
Konrad Yakabuski, a Globe and Mail columnist with deep insights into Quebec politics, dissects François Legault's surprise resignation amid sinking poll numbers. He explores the ramifications of party dynamics as the Parti Québécois gains momentum and potential sovereignty discussions loom. Yakabuski highlights Legault's legacy, the impact of identity politics, and the evolving political landscape ahead of the fall election, with a particular focus on the fragility of the CAQ and its future without its founder.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Legault's Sudden Exit Shifts Quebec's Politics

  • François Legault resigned after a rapid fall from peak popularity to political vulnerability.
  • His departure leaves Quebec's politics and the sovereignty question in flux ahead of a likely fall election.
ANECDOTE

Dubé's Resignation Signalled Government Turmoil

  • Christian Dubé's resignation after Legault's year-end interviews signalled deep internal turmoil in the CAQ.
  • That departure, likened to a 'Freeland moment', reinforced perceptions of a government in disarray.
INSIGHT

CAQ's 'Third Way' Focused On Economy

  • The CAQ was founded to shift focus from sovereignty to economic and infrastructure priorities.
  • Legault presented a 'third way' promising pragmatic governance instead of renewed constitutional debate.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app