Quebec Separatist Party Leads Polls Before Vote

The separatist Parti Québécois is leading polls ahead of Quebec’s Oct. 5 provincial election and could win a majority, while the Liberals are seeking to turn late campaign momentum into seats. PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says the party is committed to independence, but has ruled out holding a referendum until at least 2029, after President Donald Trump leaves office. Polls suggest only about a quarter to 30% of Quebecers currently support independence, and analysts say the PQ’s strength reflects dissatisfaction with the incumbent government and demand for change more than separatist sentiment. The Liberals and other opponents have warned that an independence referendum could carry serious social and economic consequences, while the PQ argues Quebec should govern itself and protect the French language.