As per the deadline of Friday 13 September, the ALDE Party Secretariat received the following nominations:
Svenja Hahn
FDP, Germany
Since 2019, I have been serving as a Member of the European Parliament in the committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection, as well as the committee on International Trade. I was elected as Renew Europe coordinator in the special committee on Artificial Intelligence in the 9th and in the committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection in the 10th legislature.
My experience in the European liberal family has turned me into a passionate European by heart. As LYMEC President, ELF‘s First Vice-President, the Alliance of Her Alumna and currently as ALDE Vice President, I worked and continue to work with our liberal member parties, foundations and organisations. I experienced the diversity of our continent, engaged in campaigns on all levels and in all parts of Europe. I am ready to commit my experience and dedication to future proof the ALDE party. I believe we need to focus our activities, reform our processes and deliver results for our member parties in order to strengthen liberalism and democracy in Europe.
Read the candidate's full letter
here.
Read the candidate's CV
here.
Yoko Alender
Reformierakond, Estonia
Yoko Alender has been a dedicated member of the Estonian Parliament since 2015 and currently serves as the Minister for the Environment.
A key figure in the Estonian Reform Party, she has led initiatives on environmental and cultural matters and contributed to numerous election manifestos.
Yoko is widely recognized for her passionate advocacy for climate action and sustainable development, playing a pivotal role in advancing green policies and fostering environmental cooperation across Europe.
Her commitment to liberal values, European integration, and international cooperation is exemplified through her service on the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference and the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with Nordic countries. She has also led friendship groups with the UK, Sweden, and Denmark, promoting regional collaboration and liberal ideals.
Beyond her political responsibilities, Yoko is a staunch advocate for urban living, cultural heritage, and the arts.
She is equally dedicated to empowering women in politics, having been a core member of the Alliance of Her since 2016, where she actively mentors aspiring liberal leaders.
Yoko envisions a vibrant and inclusive ALDE Party that champions liberal policies and unites liberals across Europe, and her extensive experience and commitment make her a valuable candidate for the ALDE board.
Why Vote for Yoko?
Champion for Climate Action
Yoko has been a key advocate for sustainable policies and ensuring Estonia and Europe lead the global fight against climate change. Yoko will be your voice in the EU Council meetings and internationally!
Fostering European Unity
Yoko has consistently promoted European integration and international cooperation through her various parliamentary roles, advancing European, Nordic and Baltic relations and standing for European unity. Yoko will stand for a united liberal front which shares common goals.
Empowering Women in Politics
Yoko's work with the Alliance of Her demonstrates her deep commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders. Yoko will make sure the AoH will be developed even further and aspire political leaders to pursue their goals with courage and ambition.
Believer in democracy, peace and justice
Yoko is a strong advocate for the international rule-based order and has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Yoko will be your pillar in upholding global justice and standing with those who strive for democracy and freedom.
Read the candidate's full letter here.
Bernardo Blanco
Iniciativa Liberal, Portugal
Bernardo Blanco is Vice-President of Iniciativa Liberal and Vice-President of its Parliamentary Group, standing as one of Portugal's most followed politicians.
Born in the Lisbon district in 1995, Bernardo is passionate about sports and holds a degree in management. Before fully dedicating himself to public service, he worked in project management and innovation.
Elected as an MP in 2022, he has already served as Vice-President of the European Affairs Committee, coordinator of both the Environment and Energy Committee, and the Budget and Finance Committee, where he is now at the forefront of national budget negotiations with the government.
He is also President of the Parliamentary Friendship Group between Portugal and Ireland.
A central figure in Iniciativa Liberal’s rise, Bernardo has been a driving force behind the party’s disruptive communication strategies.
As Vice-President of the Executive Committee, he has championed innovative approaches to politics, being in the leadership of four national campaigns, two European campaigns, and one local campaign.
Bernardo represents a new generation of leadership—dynamic, dedicated, and driven to create a freer future where opportunity is abundant and progress is limitless.
Video here.
Read the candidate's full letter
here.
Sal Brinton
Liberal Democrats, United Kingdom
Sal Brinton is a Liberal Democrat member of the UK House of Lords.
A former Health spokeswoman she now speaks for the party on migration, Europe, and also on disability. She is a former Party President and Vice Chair of Policy. Sal has a passion for human rights, campaigning over many decades.
Sal created the Lib Dem Leadership Programme for women, disabled people, LGBT+ and ethnic minority candidates, resulting in the most diverse group of Lib Dem MPs in the recent General Election. In her role as a current Vice President of ALDE Sal chaired the review of the ALDE Charter of values and liaises between the non-EU member parties grouping and ALDE Bureau.
Read the candidate's full letter
here.
Lucrezia Conti
Liberali Democratici Europei, Italy
My name is Lucrezia Conti, I am 30 years old and I am running as Liberali Democratici Europei candidate for ALDE Party Vice Presidency.
I have always been fascinated by European politics and that’s what encouraged me to get my degree in Political Sciences and International Studies. I seized every opportunity to enrich my knowledge and personal skills by participating in European and international programs. Expanding my horizons has always been my focus and that’s what I continue doing thanks to my current occupation.
I work for the most important Italian liberal foundation, the Luigi Einaudi Foundation, as President’s executive assistant. Being in charge of institutional and international relations, my daily work got me closer to national politics and it’s here that my journey in LibDem has started since its creation.
You may wonder what drives me to take the field. Well, the answer is easy: I want to do my part in this liberal world, I have much to say and I’m ready and eager to support our liberal family in facing present and future challenges.
My key priorities will be:
- intensifying ALDE connections and cooperation with member parties;
- fostering the focus on main liberal challenges;
- strengthening Europe’s security by promoting enlargement;
Read the candidate's full letter here.
Rik Daems
Open VLD, Belgium
Mr. Daems has over 35 years of experience in politics. He has in depth knowledge on fundamental rights and freedoms as well as on economic issues. He is an expert on democracy and electoral systems. He combines experience, expertise and a vast international network.
On the international level his experience relates to the United Nations, the EU, OECD, WEU and the Council of Europe.
He was President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe from 2020-2022. He was able to pass a number of groundbreaking reports on:
- Environment and human rights, including a reach out to youth organizations
- A.I. / artificial intelligence, the basis of the recent international convention
- The revisiting of the Istanbul Convention, in order to step up the fight against violence against women.
Mayor, Member of Parliament both on Belgian and regional Flemish level, Senator, group’s leader (3x), committee chair (3x) and Speaker. He also has been temporary VLD Party Leader He was member of Belgian Government at Vice Prime Minister level. His consecutive portfolios included state owned enterprises, public investment funds, telecommunication and SME policy. He presided over the EU committee of Telecom Ministers during the Belgian EU Presidency.
Mr. Daems is known for being able to think out of the box. He is one the most creative and innovative politicians having introduced many new concepts into politics.
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Mr. Daems is a Commercial Engineer from the Brussels Solvay Business School and holds a Master in Industrial Location & Development from the Free University Brussels. He is a professional art broker, painter and Belgian wine farmer.
He is proficient in English, French and Spanish. His mother tongue is Dutch. He has knowledge of German, Italian and Portuguese.
He is a Belgian Citizen, married and father to two lovely daughters.
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“Our fundamental values and freedoms are under pressure. Only a strong liberal movement can go against this dangerous trend. Therefore I commit to dedicate all time and effort needed to contribute to a powerful ALDE-team.“
«Nos valeurs et nos libertés fondamentales sont sous pression. Seul un mouvement libéral fort peut aller à l’encontre de cette tendance dangereuse. C’est pourquoi je m’engage à consacrer tout le temps et les efforts nécessaires pour contribuer à une puissante équipe ADLE.»
“Unsere Grundwerte und Freiheiten stehen unter Druck. Nur eine starke liberale Bewegung kann sich diesem gefährlichen Trend entgegenstellen. Deshalb verplflichte ich mich, alle nôtige Zeit und Anstrengung zu investieren, um zu einem schlagkräftigen ALDE-team beizutragen.“
Read the candidate's CV here.
Read the candidate's full letter here.
Email at [email protected]
+32.477.19.19.19
Joar Forsell
Liberalerna, Sweden
I am a dedicated liberal with long-standing experience from national and international politics. Having served as president of the Liberal Youth of Sweden, I was elected Member of Parliament six years ago. Since then, I’ve been focusing on global democracy, foreign affairs and climate policy. With the help of your vote, I can bring this experience and commitment into the ALDE bureau. Scroll down for my priorities to make the European liberal family grow stronger!
I believe in our liberal family, and this is why I’m running for ALDE VP this year. Standing strong and united in a time when extremes are on the rise, we can make a difference in so many ways. By supporting Ukraine to win the war. By stepping up as a relevant force in the Renew group, fighting for rule of law, a fossil-free open economy and de-risking from China. By growing our big liberal tent stronger with new member parties while safeguarding our fundamental values. And by building a more professional ALDE, providing true added value for member parties in policy development and campaigning - so that we can all win elections back home.
Who am I?
- Age 31, one daughter
- MP since 2018
- Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs
- Member of NATO and OSCE PA
- Co-chair of IPAC Sweden
- Ex-president of Liberal Youth (LUF)
- Passionate water polo player!
Read more on my priorities for ALDE by clicking here.
“Joar is a long-standing and highly valued bureau member of Liberalerna and a trusted voice in the Swedish foreign policy debate.”
Johan Pehrson, Liberalerna Leader and Minister for Education
“I support Joar Forssell because of his outspoken fight for core liberal values, defence of democracy and pushing for increased free trade.”
Cecilia Malmström, former EU Commissioner
“Joar is modern, progressive, liberal to the core - and he gets things done. As President of the Liberal Youth, he also had a great track record with gender equality and unifying a broad liberal family.”
Romina Pourmokhtari, Swedish Minister for Climate and Environment
“Joar is a skilled political leader and a true European. I am proud to endorse his candidacy for ALDE vice president”
Karlsbro MEP
Read the candidate's full letter here.
Yevheniia Kravchuk
Servant of People, Ukraine
I am Yevheniia Kravchuk and I am running as “Sluga Narodu” (Servant of the People) candidate for ALDE Party Vice President post. I have been serving as a Member of the Ukrainian Parliament since 2019, as a Deputy Chair of «Sluga Narodu» faction, which is formed out of President Zelenskyy’s ruling party.
Also, as ALDE PACE Vice President I served as Head of the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media and currently chair PACE Subcommittee on Youth and Society of the Future.
My key areas of expertise include cultural diplomacy and media reform, as well as countering disinformation and propaganda.
Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion, I joined Ukraine-led "women's diplomatic battalion" and have been actively advocating for Ukraine's - and subsequently Europe’s – security, defense and economic interests on the international arena.
I am a wife and a mother whose child is 10 years old: the same age as the Russian war against Ukraine is. While my country is raising a new generation of children, which have unfortunately never experienced living in peace, I am striving to make sure that this war ends with the decisive and just Victory of Ukraine, which is a key element to enhanced and strengthened security in Europe.
Another outcome of Ukraine’s victory should be subsequent enlargement of the European Union, which will eventually make our common home stronger and more prosperous.
If elected as ALDE VP, my key priorities would entail, but not limited to:
- Strengthening Europe’s security with the focus on countering propaganda and disinformation;
- Advocating smooth integration of Ukraine into the EU;
- Promoting empowerment and equal engagement of women and young people in the life of society;
- Intensifying cultural diplomacy efforts and exchanges among the liberal family.
Stand Together for the Future: Europe and Ukraine!
Read the candidate's full letter here.
Jouni Ovaska
Keskusta, Finland
Mr. Jouni Ovaska has been a Member of the Parliament of Finland since 2019. He is currently the Chairperson of the Transport and Communications Committee and works as a spokesperson for EU affairs for his parliamentary group.
Mr. Ovaska is a member of the Finnish Delegation to the Nordic Council and serves as a member of the Presidium of the Nordic Council.
He was the Secretary General of the Centre Party of Finland (Keskusta) from 2016 to 2018. He was responsible for the party's finances and led the organization of the country's largest political party.
At the time he was also the President of European Movement in Finland which is the Finnish member organization of European Movement International.
Before entering politics, he was a teacher by profession. He holds an MA in Educational Sciences. He has a 2.5-month-old son.
Connecting Europe
Mr Jouni Ovaska is a committed liberal politician. He wants to build a more connected ALDE Party. A more connected ALDE Party is stronger: stronger to defend liberal values and democracy, to fight against extremism and to create a more competitive and prosperous Europe.
”Europe is connected when ideas and people are better connected.”
Connecting ideas
Europe needs to unlock its innovation potential. Innovation begins with the sharing of ideas. ALDE Party together with member parties can create constructive solutions to the challenges we face. Efficient digital and transport infrastructure are a key to better competitiveness. There is must be a favourable atmosphere for new ideas in Europe.
Connecting people
Liberal values, rule of law, and human rights connect us. Unfortunately these values are threathened by extreme thinking. ALDE needs to fight for liberal values and defend equality, abortion rights and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Connecting ALDE
ALDE connects people, ideas and Europe. As Vice-President Jouni wants to be part of building a stronger ALDE which connects liberals, democrats and centrists.
”The more connected we are, ALDE Party can be a more powerful force for Europe.”
Read the candidate's full letter
here.
Lucia Plaváková
Progressive Slovakia, Slovakia
- Member of the Slovak parliament
- Chair of the Human Rights Committee
- Board member of Progressive Slovakia
- Lawyer, human rights activist
- Committed in building a strong liberal political family
Lucia’s mission lies in defending the rule of law, justice, human rights and equality. In 2015, she defended a dissertation on the right to privacy with a focus on the rights of LGBTI+ people and received a PhD. in international law. Lucia is a co-founder of an NGO focused on rainbow families (OZ Dúhové rodiny). For almost 10 years, Lucia has been providing pro bono legal advice at a counseling center for LGBTI+ people. After Russia attacked Ukraine, she has also provided pro bono legal advice to people fleeing Ukraine.
She has received the FLAMMA award for inspiring Czech and Slovak female lawyers. She has a rainbow family.
Read the candidate's full letter here.
Kira Rudik
Holos, Ukraine
Kira Rudik is a Member of the Parliament of Ukraine, Leader of the Liberal Political Party «Golos», Vice President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), First Deputy Chairwoman of the Parliament Committee on Digital Transformation.
Prior to politics, Kira Rudik was an IT-entrepreneur who headed Ring Ukraine company and ensured its acquisition by Amazon for $1 billion. Was a member of the board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and the IT Ukraine Association.
A graduate of the Stanford Women's Executive Program. Included in the TOP-100 most influential women in Ukraine according to the Focus and NV magazines. Received the Women In Politics Champion of the Year Award from The Alliance of Her. In 2024 as the Ambassador of The Alliance of Her in Ukraine together with the partners she brought The Alliance of Her Ukraine Mission to Ukraine. Kira Rudik is also a Co-chairwoman of the parliamentary Inter-factional Association «Humane Country» and a member of the Inter-factional Association «Equal Opportunities».
As a Vice President of the ALDE Party, Kira Rudik has promoted the agenda of the ALDE Party in more than 50 countries and gave more than 2,000 interviews for key international media outlets, spoke at sister party Congresses, supporting election campaigns, strengthening the connections and launching new initiatives. Advocates for liberal, democratic values; digital transformation; confiscation of frozen Russian assets for the sake of Ukraine; female leadership and animal rights. Seeks to establish strong long-term ties between Ukraine and Taiwan. In 2020, was added to the sanctions list of Russia.
Her main areas of work at the ALDE party Bureau will remain the following:
- strengthening Europe’s defence through the support of Ukraine;
- acceleration of the EU enlargement process for non-EU members;
- advocacy for female leadership.
Read the candidate's full letter here.
View the candidate's website by clicking here.
Monika Zajkova
Liberalno-demokratska partija, North Macedonia
Monika Zajkova is a leading politician from North Macedonia, serving her second mandate in the country’s Parliament. Known for her tenacity and commitment to human rights, she has become one of the most influential voices in the political landscape, advocating for equality, justice, and European integration. As a key member of the European Affairs Committee and delegations to OSCE, NATO and EU member states, Zajkova’s involvement extends beyond national politics. She has proven herself as a forceful advocate for liberal values in a region striving for reform and modernisation.
Zajkova's political journey began at a young age when she joined the LDP's youth wing in 2011. Despite her youth, she has amassed a wealth of experience in politics, having worked in four electoral campaigns and was professionally engaged as an advisor to the parliamentary group of the majority and the cabinet chief of the minister of self-government. She rose through the ranks of the party, serving as it youth president, and finally becoming its president in 2022.
Zajkova's commitment to liberal principles and her passion for social justice have made her a prominent figure in Macedonian politics. She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, human rights, and democratic reforms.
Zajkova's track record is marked by decisive victories in the fight against discrimination. She led the overhaul of the national Law for Prevention of Discrimination, ensuring the inclusion of sexual orientation and disabilities as protected categories, and was pivotal in establishing the country’s independent Committee for Protection and Prevention of Discrimination. This groundbreaking reform was a major step toward building a more inclusive society and set a new standard in the region for safeguarding human rights. Zajkova has championed the adoption of laws that improve the status and economic standard of young people. Her leading role in the Inter-Parliamentary Group for LGBTI Rights and in the Group of Young Parliamentarians further underscores her commitment to equality for all.
In the realm of European integration, Zajkova has been a relentless advocate, not just for North Macedonia, but for the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. She believes that a united and dynamic EU must embrace the candidate countries, ensuring the accelerated enlargement process continues based on reforms and shared European values. During the contentious 2022 debates on North Macedonia’s EU accession, Zajkova stood firm, defending the country's place in Europe. Her unwavering commitment to European values and her willingness to stand up for her beliefs despite threats to her life have earned her widespread respect. For Zajkova, the EU's potential remains untapped, and she calls for reforms that allow Europe to live up to its creativity, capacities, and influence on the global stage.
Beyond her national achievements, Zajkova has been instrumental in strengthening the international liberal movement. As a former president of the LDP’s youth wing, she forged strategic partnerships with major national and regional liberal organizations across Europe. Her deep knowledge of international politics and human rights has made her a leading figure in advocating for liberal democracy, human rights, and rule of law across the continent as member of the LI Human Rights Committee.
Zajkova’s vision for Europe goes beyond national interests. She sees a more interconnected and vibrant continent, where deeper integration drives Europe’s geopolitical relevance. As graduate of Alliance of HER and EU mentorship, she has been a vocal proponent of EU reform, calling for a Europe that strengthens markets and ties within its borders. Through her work, Monika Zajkova continues to push Europe to realise its full potential and take its rightful place as a global leader.
Read the candidate's full letter
here.