Geneviève Guilbault Steps Away From Power, Shaking Quebec’s Political Future
One of the most recognizable faces of Quebec politics is preparing to walk away from the stage and the timing could not be more consequential.
Geneviève Guilbault, a central figure in the Coalition Avenir Québec for nearly a decade, is set to announce that she will leave political life at the end of her current mandate. With that decision, she also closes the door on a possible run to succeed François Legault, who himself has just announced his departure. For many inside and outside Quebec, this marks the end of an era and the start of deep uncertainty.
Guilbault rose quickly after her surprise election in 2017 in the Louis-Hébert riding, a symbolic victory that helped legitimize the CAQ as a serious alternative to the long-standing Liberal and Parti Québécois dominance. From that moment, she became one of the party’s strongest communicators, often described as a political star in the making. When the CAQ took power in 2018, she was named vice premier and minister of public security, placing her at the heart of government during years marked by public safety reforms and the COVID-19 crisis.
Also Read:- Venus Williams Makes History at 45, Then Faces a Tough Australian Open Exit
- Emma Raducanu Shakes Off Nerves to Power Through Australian Open Opener
Over time, her responsibilities expanded and so did the pressure. As transport minister, she became closely associated with major controversies, including the troubled SAAQclic digital platform, a project plagued by massive cost overruns and governance failures. Her testimony about what she knew and when she knew it, has since been challenged by an ongoing public inquiry. That cloud has followed her, even after she was moved to municipal affairs and lost the vice premier title.
Now, Guilbault is expected to cite family reasons for stepping away, saying she wants to be more present for her young children. But politically, the implications go far beyond a personal choice. She had long been seen as a natural successor to Legault. Her departure leaves the CAQ without one of its most visible leaders, at a moment when the party is already facing internal divisions and a looming leadership race.
This matters because Quebec is entering a rare period of political transition. With Legault and Guilbault both exiting, the balance of power inside the governing party shifts dramatically. New contenders will emerge, old rivalries will resurface and voters may begin to reassess their options ahead of the next election.
For supporters, it is the loss of a proven communicator. For critics, it is the closing chapter of a career defined by both rapid ascent and serious controversy. For Quebec as a whole, it signals that the political landscape is about to change.
Stay with us as this story develops and keep watching for deeper analysis on what this turning point could mean for Quebec’s future.
Read More:
0 Comments