Mathieu Lacombe, the Quebec Minister of Culture and Communications, announced Thursday morning that he will not seek a third term in the autumn elections [1].
Lacombe's departure removes a key figure from the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) cabinet during a period of significant party turnover. His exit adds to a growing list of departures within the governing party as the province prepares for the upcoming electoral cycle [3].
Lacombe, who serves as the député for Papineau, said he is leaving politics for family reasons. He said that he has a need to move on to other things after spending nearly four years leading the ministry [1], [3].
"J’ai besoin de passer à autre chose," Lacombe said [2].
The announcement comes amid a broader trend of exits within the CAQ. Approximately 30 other members of the party have recently left political life [3]. This wave of departures suggests a shifting landscape for the party's leadership, and representation in the National Assembly.
While some reports suggest Lacombe is fully retiring from public life, other accounts indicate he has not entirely closed the door on a potential return to politics in the long term [3]. For now, the minister remains focused on his transition away from the cabinet and his legislative duties in Papineau.
“"J’ai besoin de passer à autre chose,"”
The resignation of a sitting minister during an election year signals a period of instability or transition within the Coalition Avenir Québec. With roughly 30 members having already departed, the party faces a significant loss of institutional memory and experienced leadership heading into the autumn vote.
