Following Premier François Legault’s sudden resignation, the race to fill his position has swiftly commenced in Quebec.
Gilles Bélanger, Quebec’s Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs, has officially endorsed his colleague Christine Fréchette as the ideal successor. In an interview with La Presse Canadienne on Thursday, Bélanger expressed his support for Fréchette, emphasizing her capabilities for maintaining unity within the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party, bridging the gap between nationalist and economic factions.
Although Fréchette’s name is being floated as a potential leadership contender, she has not made any official statement regarding her candidacy. Bélanger disclosed that Fréchette is open to the idea of running for leadership.
Expressing his preference for an uncontested appointment, Bélanger advocated for unity within the party and urged for a swift decision in selecting Fréchette as the new leader. He emphasized the importance of avoiding a prolonged and divisive leadership race, emphasizing the need for a cohesive and efficient transition process.
Christine Fréchette, a former member of the Parti Québécois, joined the CAQ in 2022 and has served in various ministerial roles, including minister of immigration and subsequently taking over the responsibilities of the former minister of the economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon. Notably, she played a key role in spearheading the significant energy reform legislation enacted in June last year.
