The political landscape in Quebec has undergone a dramatic shift as Premier François Legault concludes 2025 holding the title of Canada's least-popular provincial leader. According to year-end data, only a quarter of Quebecers approve of his performance, a stark contrast to his once-lofty popularity.
From Peak to Basement in Approval Ratings
The latest report from the Angus Reid Institute, released on Friday, December 5, 2025, reveals that just 25 per cent of Quebec residents now approve of Premier Legault. This places him firmly at the bottom of the national ranking for premier approval. The decline represents a stunning reversal of fortune for the 68-year-old leader, who was first elected in 2018.
In 2020, Legault stood among the country's most popular premiers, enjoying a robust 77 per cent approval rating. That support has eroded steadily. By March of this year, it had plummeted to 38 per cent, which was already the lowest in Canada. The slide continued throughout the year, settling in the mid-20s.
Policy Backlash and Political Turmoil
The Angus Reid analysis points to several key factors driving the premier's unpopularity. His government "outraged" physicians across Quebec by adopting Bill 2, legislation that changes how doctors are compensated by linking pay to performance targets.
This medical community backlash is compounded by other persistent issues. Quebecers have faced frustration over the problematic rollout of SAAQclic, the province's glitch-ridden new online automobile-insurance platform. Furthermore, the province's budget deficit has spiralled over the past three years, adding to public discontent.
The political damage is reflected in voting intentions. A separate Léger poll for Québecor from November places Legault's Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) in a distant third position with only 18 per cent support.
Rivals Gain as CAQ Stumbles
The same Léger poll shows the Parti Québécois (PQ), led by Paul St-Pierre PlamondonQuebec Liberal Party, under Pablo Rodriguez, follows at 21 per cent, though it has dropped six points since the previous survey.
Plamondon maintains a commanding lead despite his promise to hold a second referendum, an issue that currently garners little public enthusiasm. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is embroiled in his own crisis, facing allegations of vote-buying in the Liberal leadership race and a public feud with Saint-Laurent MNA Marwah Rizqy.
Despite the turmoil among his opponents, Legault has been unable to capitalize. The premier has stated he will "continue to fight for Quebecers." Looking ahead to the next provincial election, scheduled for October 2026 but which could be called sooner, Legault has framed the choice for voters. "In October 2026, it will no longer be: 'Do I like or don’t like the government?'" he said in October. "It will be: 'Who do I choose? Do I choose Pablo Rodriguez? Do I choose Paul St-Pierre Plamondon?'"
As the year closes, Legault finds himself in the company of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who placed second-last in the Angus Reid approval rankings. At the top of the list were popular premiers like Manitoba's Wab Kinew and New Brunswick's Susan Holt. For François Legault, the challenge of climbing out of the political basement before the next election looms large.
