Christine Fréchette Resigns as Quebec Premier After CAQ Wipeout
Christine Fréchette resigned as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec after her party failed to win a single seat in the provincial election.
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette resigned as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) on Tuesday after the party failed to win a single seat in the provincial election. The CAQ, which had governed for eight years and previously held 79 seats, was replaced by the sovereigntist Parti Québécois, which won enough seats to form a minority government.
The electoral collapse followed projections that Fréchette would lose her own seat in the Trois-Rivières riding. Fréchette, who became the second woman to serve as premier after replacing François Legault in April 2026, attributed the loss to public dissatisfaction over the failed Northvolt battery plant development and SAAQclic scandals. She stated that she takes responsibility for the results and that the coalition needs a leader who can rally the party before the next election.
Fréchette will remain in office until Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon is sworn in. Former premier François Legault praised Fréchette's courage and dignity following her announcement.
