Christine Frechette has been chosen as the new leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), securing the party's leadership and becoming Quebec's next premier. Frechette, 56, is the first woman to lead the CAQ and the second female premier in Quebec's history. She succeeds Francois Legault, who stepped down in January. "I'm glad that the members gave me their confidence; I'm really proud of that," Frechette stated in her victory speech. "I'll work really hard, we'll unite the party and implement change very quickly."
Originally from Trois Rivières, Frechette previously served as a high-ranking staffer for the Parti Quebecois before running for the CAQ in 2022. She held significant cabinet positions, including minister of immigration and minister of economy, under Francois Legault's administration. Frechette entered the leadership race with substantial backing, supported by 41 CAQ MNAs and 17 ministers. She is set to be sworn in as premier on April 13, with Quebec's next provincial election just six months away. Recent polls indicate a challenging path ahead for her in winning over voters.