Why was Brian Mulroney unpopular?

Reasons Why Brian Mulroney Was Unpopular

Brian Mulroney, despite his achievements, faced significant unpopularity during his tenure as Prime Minister of Canada.

The reasons are as follows:

Economic Policies

Mulroney’s introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stirred widespread discontent among Canadians, particularly the middle and lower classes, who viewed it as burdensome and regressive.

Political Scandals

His administration was plagued by political scandals, with several ministers forced to resign due to allegations of corruption.

While Mulroney himself wasn’t directly implicated, his judgment in appointing these ministers came into question.

Shifts in Policies

Critics accused Mulroney of flip-flopping on policies, leading to perceptions of inconsistency and a lack of clear political philosophy, eroding public trust in his leadership.

Personal Approval Ratings

Mulroney’s personal approval ratings plummeted to single digits towards the end of his term, indicating a significant loss of public support and confidence.

Unpopularity of Policies

Despite electoral promises for reform, Mulroney’s policies such as free trade agreements and tax reforms faced resistance and hostility from the public, contributing to his declining popularity.