Christine Fréchette resigns as CAQ leader after party loses all seats
The former premier stepped down Tuesday, less than 24 hours after accepting full responsibility for the CAQ's historic defeat in Monday's provincial election.
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Christine Fréchette tendered her resignation as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec on Tuesday afternoon, less than 24 hours after delivering a concession speech following the party's complete collapse in Monday's provincial election.
The CAQ won zero seats despite holding a 90-seat majority four years ago. Fréchette, the incumbent premier, lost her own riding of Trois-Rivières. In her concession speech Monday, she told supporters: "The defeat is mine, not yours. Keep your head high." She did not indicate at that time what her political future would hold.
By Tuesday, she had decided. "Today I submitted my resignation as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec," Fréchette said in a statement to reporters in Quebec City. She added that the party "must now renew itself."
Fréchette had previously said she would remain as party leader even if she lost her own riding — a promise she reversed within hours of the election result. She became premier after winning the CAQ leadership race to succeed François Legault.
The facts
When did Christine Fréchette resign as CAQ leader?
Christine Fréchette resigned as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
How many seats did the CAQ win in Monday's election?
The Coalition Avenir Québec won zero seats in the provincial election held on Monday, October 5, 2026.
