François Legault would have liked his family to be spared

Today, January 14, 2026, will go down as a milestone in Quebec's political history. François Legault, Premier of Quebec, has announced that he has decided to step down. After many years at the helm of the Coalition Avenir Québec and guiding the government through periods of challenge and transformation, Legault felt it was time to pass the torch.

The politician will remain in office until a successor is named.

An announcement of such importance must be accompanied by a speech. And that's exactly what Mr. Legault did today, appearing at the lectern not only to explain the reasons behind his decision, but also to express his gratitude to all those who have worked with him over the years.

He took the opportunity to evoke with emotion his wife, Isabelle Brais, who has been with him every step of the way in his political career. In the same vein, he described the Coalition Avenir Québec as one big family, underlining the extent to which this team had been a source of support, pride, and motivation. And, as he himself admitted at his press conference, it is precisely this closeness, camaraderie, and family spirit that he will miss most when he leaves office.

“Isabelle was always there (…) Journalists know that. When I went to bed to be in shape the next morning, Isabelle continued the work. Sometimes with you, sometimes with the MPs, sometimes with the staff. Isabelle is friends with everyone and has made the CAQ a great family. Of course, politics is also an extreme sport. There are highs, but there are also lows, and Isabelle has always been there to support me in difficult times,” Legault said, looking at his wife.

He then talks about his boys, who haven't always had it easy

Needless to say, a career in politics is not an easy one, not only for the individual concerned, but also for his or her family, who also find themselves living in the public eye, often in spite of themselves.

“Thanks also to my two boys, my two little guys, as we call them. They have sometimes had less kind remarks in their work or rather in their studies. I would have liked to spare them that, because we love them so much, her two little boys… but maybe they're stronger because of it,” François confided with love and emotion.