Quebec Premier Legault Announces Cabinet Shuffle Amid Challenges

Quebec Premier François Legault is set to announce a significant cabinet shuffle on September 30, 2025, as he seeks to rejuvenate his party’s standing ahead of the provincial election scheduled for October 2026. This move, coupled with the decision to prorogue the legislature for two weeks, comes as the premier grapples with declining approval ratings and ongoing scandals that threaten to undermine his party’s authority.

Legault’s cabinet reshuffle aims to inject new energy into the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which has seen a stark decline in support since its overwhelming victory in the last election, where it secured 90 of 125 seats in the National Assembly. Recent polls indicate that the CAQ is trailing behind the resurgent Parti Québécois, which has gained momentum in recent byelections.

In a statement released by his office, Legault expressed optimism about the upcoming changes, stating, “This will be an opportunity to give new momentum to the government team and make room for new ideas to advance the government’s priorities.”

The announcement follows the decision by several veteran ministers to step down. François Bonnardel, the Public Security Minister, revealed he would not be part of the new cabinet, despite his intention to run for re-election in 2026. Bonnardel has been a prominent figure in Quebec politics, representing the Granby riding since 2007. His tenure has not been without controversy; he recently faced scrutiny during a public inquiry into a cost overrun scandal that impacted the Transport Department, which he led from 2018 to 2022.

Legault’s government is also dealing with the fallout from the collapse of a major investment deal with Northvolt, a Swedish battery manufacturer. The company declared bankruptcy in March 2025, leading to the loss of $270 million CAD invested by the Quebec government. Although authorities managed to recover $200 million CAD from a loan to Northvolt by freezing its accounts, the incident has further complicated Legault’s political landscape.

As the government prepares for the upcoming cabinet changes, several ministers have already announced their departures. Suzanne Roy, the Families Minister, confirmed she will not run in the next election, while André Lamontagne, the Agriculture Minister, has also opted not to seek re-election. Additionally, former Municipal Affairs Minister Andrée Laforest recently vacated her seat to run for mayor of Saguenay in the November municipal elections, leaving a vacancy that Legault must address within six months.

The National Assembly, initially scheduled to reconvene on September 16, will now return on September 30, giving new appointees time to acclimate to their roles. This cabinet shuffle marks a critical juncture for Legault as he seeks to restore public confidence and strengthen his party’s position in the lead-up to the 2026 election.

With the political landscape shifting rapidly, all eyes will be on Legault’s decisions in the coming days. The outcome of this cabinet shuffle could significantly influence the trajectory of the CAQ as it navigates a challenging political environment.