Quebecers rejoice: The end of Legault's "Iron Fist" of Fascism
- Jason
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
January 14th, 2026
by: Maurice Delarosbil (Gaspe,QC)
– Farewell to a Premier Who Betrayed Our Trust
As Quebecers, we've endured a lot over the years, but nothing quite like the heavy-handed rule of François Legault during the COVID-19 pandemic. From arbitrary curfews that turned our streets into ghost towns to a barrage of restrictions that felt more like punishments than protections, Legault's measures left scars on our society that won't heal overnight. Today, on January 14, 2026, we finally have reason to celebrate:
Legault has resigned as premier, stepping down amid plummeting polls and the specter of electoral defeat.
It's a moment of sweet relief for so many of us who watched him erode our freedoms while claiming to safeguard our health. No more "Papa Legault" lectures – just the quiet satisfaction of seeing a leader who overstayed his welcome finally pack his bags.
The Dark Days of COVID: A Legacy of Control and Controversy
Let's not sugarcoat it – Legault's handling of the pandemic was a disaster wrapped in authoritarianism. Quebec was the only province in Canada to slap a nighttime curfew on its citizens, not once but twice, forcing us to huddle indoors from 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. onward like criminals under house arrest.
We remember the winter of 2021 vividly: walking the dog after dark could land you a hefty fine, and thousands of us were ticketed for simply stepping outside. Five years later, more than half those fines remain unpaid, a quiet act of rebellion against a policy that experts still debate as overkill.
Was it really about stopping the virus, or was it about control? Health professionals questioned its effectiveness, pointing out the mental health toll and the way it stigmatized vulnerable communities.
Legault's government didn't stop at curfews. Private gatherings were slashed to household members only, places of worship shut down except for tiny funerals, and outdoor events capped at laughably low numbers.
We were told it was for our own good, but the lack of transparency was infuriating. Decisions seemed pulled from thin air, with little regard for democratic input or scientific nuance. Critics called it a shift to authoritarianism, where public communications scapegoated certain groups while ignoring real issues like airborne transmission in schools and workplaces.
Vaccine passports? Sure, they boosted uptake by a measly 0.9%, but at what cost to social cohesion? - Legault patted himself on the back for high compliance rates, but many of us complied out of fear, not faith in his leadership.
And the hypocrisy? Unforgivable. While we sacrificed holidays and hugs, Legault flip-flopped on gathering limits right before Christmas waves, only to clamp down harder when cases spiked.
He defended these "difficult decisions" during his 2022 election campaign, claiming they saved lives, but in conservative ridings, voters pushed back hard against the memory of lost freedoms.
Quebec became a hotbed of transmission despite – or perhaps because of – these draconian steps. We felt betrayed, our province singled out for measures that other Canadians escaped.
Legault's approach wasn't just tough; it was tone-deaf, prioritizing spectacle over substance.
A Wave of Joy Sweeps Quebec: Good Riddance to Bad Leadership
Fast forward to today, and the disdain we've harbored for years is bubbling over into outright celebration. Social media is ablaze with Quebecers expressing unfiltered relief: "I'm happy that he's gone," one poster declared, echoing the sentiments of thousands who see this as a long-overdue victory. Another quipped that the public seems "remarkably happy he’s gone," highlighting how Legault's unpopularity has festered. Even across borders, reactions note the joy in being "débarrassés d’un dictateur" – rid of a dictator.
Polls had his Coalition Avenir Québec party headed for a wipeout against the separatist Parti Québécois, and Legault knew it. He didn't have the guts to face voters in the fall election, opting instead for a surprise exit that leaves his party scrambling.
For us Quebecers, this isn't just politics; it's personal. Legault founded the CAQ in 2011 as a fresh alternative, but he morphed into the very establishment he once railed against. His resignation speech dripped with self-pity – "Quebecers want change" – but we see it for what it is: an admission of failure. No obvious successor? Good – maybe it's time for a real reset. Posts from Montreal to Quebec City capture the mood: "Chicken shit didn't have the stones to face voters," one blunt assessment read. Another called him "the worse Premier in Quebec's history," a sentiment shared by those who endured his COVID-era overreach.
Sure, there's anxiety about what's next – the rise of separatists, economic pressures from south of the border – but right now, the dominant feeling is liberation. We've waited too long for this day. Legault's fall from grace is a reminder that leaders who trample on freedoms eventually face the music.
Looking Ahead: A Quebec Free from Legault's Shadow
As we raise a glass (or a poutine) in quiet celebration, let's remember why we're here: Legault's measures during COVID weren't just policies; they were assaults on our way of life. The disdain runs deep, from the unpaid fines to the lingering resentment over lost liberties.
His resignation isn't the end of our challenges, but it's a damn good start. Quebecers are resilient – we've proven that time and again. Today, we celebrate not just an exit, but the hope for leaders who listen, not dictate.Bon débarras, Monsieur Legault. Quebec is ready to move on.
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