Quebec economy minister Christine Fréchette says she is considering CAQ leadership

Economy, Energy and Innovation Minister Christine Fréchette said she is considering a bid for the Coalition Avenir Québec leadership and expects to decide within days; Premier François Legault announced he will step down as CAQ leader but will remain premier until a successor is chosen.

Christine Fréchette, Quebec's Economy, Energy and Innovation Minister, said she is considering a run for the leadership of the governing Coalition Avenir Québec and expects to make a decision within days after consulting colleagues and family. Premier François Legault announced he will step down as CAQ leader but will stay on as premier until the party designates a replacement. Fréchette was first elected in 2022 to the Sanguinet riding and took over the economy portfolio in September 2024. Other senior ministers have not formally declared their intentions. Key developments: - Christine Fréchette publicly said she is considering the CAQ leadership and will reflect in the coming days. - François Legault announced his intention to step down as party leader but will remain premier until a successor is chosen. - Fréchette succeeded Pierre Fitzgibbon as economy minister in September 2024 and was first elected in 2022. - Education Minister Sonia LeBel, Municipal Affairs Minister Geneviève Guilbault and Environment Minister Bernard Drainville have not ruled out running but have not declared candidacies. - Léger vice-president Sébastien Dallaire said parties commonly look to existing ministers when selecting a new leader and suggested an outside candidate could push a change agenda. - The CAQ has not set an official timetable, though a leadership convention is expected by mid-April to allow time before the October election. Summary: Fréchette's statement is the clearest signal so far that a high-profile minister may enter the race to replace Legault, and it could shape an internal contest among sitting ministers. Pending developments include Fréchette's forthcoming personal decision and the party's setting of a leadership timetable; a convention is expected by mid-April, but exact dates remain undetermined at this time.