Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s outgoing premier, announced Tuesday that she will be stepping down as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec party.
She walked out in the foyer of the National Assembly and was greeted by applause, but got straight to the point in her address to Quebecers.
“Last night, you made your position clear,” she said in French. “You chose to entrust the government to another team. I accept that choice, and as leader, I take responsibility for it.”
“So today, I have submitted my resignation as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec.”
The announcement comes one day after the party’s crushing defeat in the provincial election that saw it go from a massive majority just four years ago to being wiped off the electoral map.
The party failed to win a single seat on Monday.
WATCH | The moment Fréchette announced her resignation:
Christine Fréchette resigns as CAQ leader after party’s crushing election loss
Fréchette’s announcement comes one day after the Coalition Avenir Québec failed to win a single seat in the general election on Monday. Despite this, she says she believes in the party’s future.
Just a few days ago, Fréchette said she would stay on as leader even if she didn’t win in her hometown riding of Trois-Rivières.
She took over as premier following François Legault’s resignation earlier this year, after winning the party’s leadership race against Bernard Drainville.
Legault, who co-founded the party in 2011, stayed quiet throughout the campaign.
But he took to social media Tuesday shortly after Fréchette’s resignation to thank her for her political commitment.
“Christine was a capable minister. Her speech last night was dignified and exemplary,” he wrote in French.
“She showed great courage during this election campaign.”
He also added she wasn’t responsible for the “wear and tear of power” that “affects all governments.”
He signed off by wishing her the best of luck in her future endeavours.
WATCH | Fréchette shoulders blame for defeat in concession speech:
CAQ Leader Christine Fréchette takes ownership of party’s fall in concession speech
At party headquarters in Trois-Rivières, Que., Fréchette thanked her National Assembly colleagues. She said the party’s fall was her responsibility alone, and that being premier was the greatest honour of her life.