Pablo Rodriguez's tenure as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party has ended abruptly, with his resignation on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. His departure follows weeks of internal turmoil and a resurgent corruption scandal that has damaged the party's reputation.
Internal Crisis and the Chain of Events
The immediate trigger for the crisis was the sudden firing of chief of staff Geneviève Hinse by parliamentary leader Marwah Rizqy in late November. Rodriguez, claiming he was not consulted, responded by ousting Rizqy first from her leadership role and then expelling her from the party entirely, accusing her of causing significant damage.
This internal conflict was quickly overshadowed by more serious allegations. The Journal de Montréal published text messages alluding to a vote-buying scheme during the party's spring leadership race, which Rodriguez won. The report suggested some campaign donors were allegedly reimbursed with cash.
Rodriguez denied any knowledge of the alleged scheme and called for an external audit. The party also launched an independent inquiry headed by retired Superior Court judge Jacques R. Fournier, with a report deadline of January 31, 2026.
UPAC Investigation and Mounting Pressure
Quebec's permanent anti-corruption unit, UPAC, initially stated it was verifying allegations of "reprehensible acts" targeting the Liberals. In early December, UPAC confirmed it was opening a formal criminal investigation. Spokesperson Mathieu Galarneau stated the unit would issue no further comment to protect its actions.
Despite the probe, Rodriguez initially insisted he would not step aside, stating he had done nothing wrong and was duly elected by party members. He pledged full cooperation with UPAC, vowing to act without hesitation if wrongdoing was uncovered.
However, pressure built within the party. Following Rizqy's expulsion, Rodriguez also removed MNA for Chomedey, Sona Lakhoyan Olivier—linked to the published text messages—from caucus pending an ethics investigation. New allegations emerged on December 16, with the Journal reporting a businessman allegedly reimbursed participants $500 each at a Rodriguez fundraiser for campaign contributions.
A Political Journey Cut Short
Rodriguez's resignation marks a stunning reversal for the politician who framed his move to provincial politics as a mission. The former federal Liberal MP for Honoré-Mercier said he entered the Quebec arena because he disagreed with Premier François Legault's approach, which he criticized for dividing Quebecers.
Born in Argentina, Rodriguez came to Quebec as an eight-year-old political refugee after his family was targeted by the military regime. He grew up in Sherbrooke, learned French and English, and built a career that included work with Oxfam-Québec before entering federal politics in the 2000s. He served as Minister of Canadian Heritage, Government House Leader, and Quebec lieutenant.
His provincial leadership campaign centered on unity, economic growth, healthcare, and education, while firmly rejecting another sovereignty referendum as a threat to social peace. His goal was to win a seat in the National Assembly and challenge Legault in the 2026 election—a plan now in disarray.
The party is left leaderless and embroiled in scandal, facing a criminal probe and an internal inquiry. Rodriguez's exit underscores the persistent challenges for the Quebec Liberals as they attempt to rebuild trust and redefine their role in the province's political landscape.
