breaking
Christine Fréchette steps down as leader of CAQ after party wiped out on election night
Posted October 6, 2026 3:46 pm.
A day after taking the blame for the Coalition Avenir Québec’s performance on election night, Christine Fréchette is stepping down as leader.
The CAQ did not manage to win a single riding in Monday’s provincial election, a stunning reversal from the 90-seat majority it claimed four years ago.
In her concession speech, she told a subdued room of party supporters that she accepted full responsibility for the party’s loss. “The defeat is mine, not yours. Keep your head high,” she said.
Fréchette, who became premier after winning the CAQ leadership race to succeed François Legault, did not indicate in that speech what her future would hold. Less than 24 hours later, she confirmed she would be stepping down.
Fréchette previously said she would remain as party leader even if she lost her own riding of Trois-Rivières, which she did.
More coming.
