Quebec Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon rejects oath to King

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, leader of the Parti Québécois (PQ), was sworn in as Premier of Quebec on October 21, 2026. In a historic move, he declined to take an oath of allegiance to King Charles III and proceeded without the participation of the Crown's representative in the ceremony.

In an address to his ministers, Plamondon outlined plans for a gradual departure from the Canadian federation, describing the current system as one that imposes decisions contrary to Quebec's interests. The PQ secured 60 seats in the 127-seat National Assembly following the October 5 elections, allowing for the formation of a minority government despite receiving approximately 28 percent of the vote.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by provincial Lieutenant Governor Manon Jeannotte only via remote signature, following Plamondon's request. The Premier expressed a determination to abolish the monarchy within Quebec's democratic institutions and civil society, including the potential liquidation of the office of the Lieutenant Governor.