The Quebec Liberal Party is confronting one of its most serious crises in recent memory as the province's anti-corruption police force evaluates whether to launch a criminal investigation into allegations of wrongdoing within the party.
Mounting Pressure on Liberal Leadership
Liberal Leader Pablo Rodriguez faces his first major test since becoming leader just five months ago. The situation deteriorated rapidly over ten days in late November 2025, beginning with the controversial dismissal of staffer Geneviève Hinse by popular MNA Marwah Rizqy without consulting party leadership.
Rodriguez responded by removing Rizqy as the Liberals' parliamentary head in the National Assembly, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining party discipline. Coinciding with this internal conflict, the Journal de Montréal published what appeared to be evidence of a vote-buying scheme during Rodriguez's leadership campaign last spring.
Multiple Investigations Underway
The Quebec Liberal Party now faces scrutiny from multiple official bodies. Beyond UPAC's preliminary examination, Elections Quebec and the National Assembly's ethics commissioner are both conducting their own inquiries into the controversies. Additionally, Hinse's dismissal has become the subject of legal proceedings.
Internal party divisions have complicated Rodriguez's response to the crisis. Some defeated leadership candidates, including Charles Milliard and Karl Blackburn, were slow to publicly support the leader, while a small group of party members attempted to organize what amounted to a leadership coup.
Communication Challenges and Public Perception
While Rodriguez has taken decisive action in handling the crisis, his communication strategy has shown significant weaknesses. During multiple press conferences and an appearance on the popular television program Tout le monde en parle, the leader appeared emotional and struggled to maintain consistent messaging.
The political damage is already evident in public opinion. A Pallas-L'actualité survey conducted during the crisis revealed that 56 percent of Quebecers hold a negative view of Rodriguez, while only 13 percent view him positively.
The party has initiated an external, independent investigation into the Journal de Montréal's allegations, to be conducted by retired judge Jacques Fournier. The Liberals have committed to making the final report public.
Stakes for Quebec's Political Future
The timing of this crisis couldn't be more critical for the Quebec Liberal Party. With provincial elections approaching next year and the possibility of another referendum on separation, the party's ability to present a united front against the Parti Québécois is essential for federalist supporters.
The Quebec Liberal Party had been quietly rebuilding since its devastating defeat in the 2022 election. These recent events have undermined that progress, requiring immediate attention to restore party discipline and focus on the crucial political battles ahead.
André Pratte, a former journalist and senator who previously chaired the Quebec Liberal Party's policy committee, emphasizes that for federalists concerned about Quebec's future in Canada, the Liberal recovery isn't just desirable—it's essential.
