Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez is facing the most serious test of his leadership after reports alleged that some party members were offered cash in exchange for votes during last spring’s leadership race. Speaking at party headquarters in Montreal, Rodriguez said he was “shaken” by the allegations but insisted he has “nothing to hide,” stressing that he built his political career on integrity in both federal and provincial politics. The allegations stem from text messages, reported by a Quebec media outlet, suggesting certain members who backed Rodriguez could receive money in return for their support during the leadership vote.
Rodriguez said he has asked the party’s president to launch an independent, external investigation, promising “extremely serious” consequences for anyone found to have engaged in wrongdoing. He emphasized that it is not yet clear whether the text messages are authentic or who, if anyone, inside the party might have been responsible, noting that some individuals named in follow-up media reports have publicly denied any involvement. Party officials say they were first alerted months ago to vague concerns, but only recently received enough detail to justify bringing in a third party to examine the claims.
The controversy comes as the Liberals were beginning to show signs of recovery in public opinion polls and as Rodriguez works to rebuild the party ahead of the 2026 provincial election. The vote-for-cash allegations land on top of internal turmoil, including the recent suspension of high-profile MNA Marwah Rizqy from caucus after a breakdown in trust with the leader. Rodriguez argued that the timing of the revelations risks overshadowing what he describes as renewed momentum in recruiting candidates and donors, even as he acknowledged that many voters and former colleagues now have serious questions that only a transparent investigation can resolve.
