TROIS-RIVIÈRES — Quebec Economy Minister Christine Fréchette officially launched a bid to lead the governing Coalition Avenir Québec and replace Premier François Legault, who plans to step down.

She made the announcement Sunday in Trois-Rivières, her hometown.

She joins her colleague Environment Minister Bernard Drainville, , who announced on Saturday his intention to try to succeed François Legault.

Under party rules unveiled last week, leadership candidates must temporarily step aside from their ministerial duties.

First elected in 2022, Fréchette is a former Parti Québécois member who previously served as immigration minister before taking over the powerful economy portfolio.

Fréchette has already garnered the support of several national assembly members, including Ministers Gilles Bélanger, Benoit Charette, Mathieu Lacombe, Kateri Champagne Jourdain and Ian Lafrenière.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 25, 2026.

The Canadian Press