Marc Tanguay appointed Quebec Liberal Party interim leader, again

Around six months after leaving the post, Marc Tanguay is back as interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ).

Tanguay will take the lead, following Pablo Rodriguez’s decision to step down as leader on Wednesday.

A PLQ news release Friday morning says that the party’s executive council and the Liberal caucus decided to appoint Tanguay, who served in the position from November 2022 to June of this year.

He served as leader after former leader Dominique Anglade stepped down following the last provincial election.

“Faced with the immense challenges facing Quebecers, now more than ever, our great party must regain its capacity for action and embody progress,” said Tanguay. “My political commitment has always been focused on achieving this goal. Once again, it is as interim leader that I will be able to serve.”

He added that the next step is to find a new permanent leader.

“A respected Member of the National Assembly and recognized leader within our caucus, he knows the party and its structures well, having already assumed this role during the last transition,” said PLQ president Rafael P. Ferraro.

“His experience, judgement and sense of responsibility make him the right person to ensure stability and prepare the future of the Quebec Liberal Party with seriousness and responsibility.”

With the election expected on Oct. 5, 2026, the Liberals will need to find a new leader quickly.

Former candidate Karl Blackburn had expressed some interest in running again, but posted on Friday that he will not seek the post.

He added on Facebook that he will also not run in the general election as previously stated.

“My thinking is driven by the desire to contribute to Quebec society and to do it differently than by partisan politics,” said Blackburn.

Charles Milliard, who narrowly lost the leadership race, said he is still considering his options.

Former parliamentary leader Marwah Rizqy, who was expelled from the Liberal caucus by Rodriguez following the dismissal of his chief of staff, has ruled out the possibility of entering the race.