Parti Québécois wins Quebec election, promising third independence referendum

The secessionist Parti Québécois has won the most seats in Quebec's provincial election, returning to power for the first time since 2014.

• Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is set to become premier, ending eight years of Coalition Avenir Québec rule.
• Plamondon promised to hold a third independence referendum during his first term, after US President Donald Trump leaves office in January 2029.
• Plamondon pledged to "abolish the monarchy in Quebec" and redirect funds from its institutions to social services.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated Plamondon, vowing to work together to support Quebec businesses hit by US tariffs.
• McGill political scientist Daniel Béland said the win reflects Quebec's multi-party system, not a rise in separatist support, which remains near 30 percent.
• The Parti Québécois won 59 of 127 seats with 27.9 percent of the vote, falling short of a majority.
• Plamondon's minority government faces opposition from Quebec's Liberal and Conservative parties on its independence plans.