Bureau Candidates
The following positions are up for election: 1 President | 6 Vice-Presidents
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President candidates
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.
My experience in the European liberal family has turned me into a passionate European by heart. As LYMEC President, ELF‘s Vice-President, the Alliance of Her Alumna, as well as ALDE Vice President and currently ALDE President, I worked with our member parties, foundations and organisations. I experienced the diversity of our continent and engaged in campaigns all over Europe. I believe we need to continue to secure ALDE’s relevance, strengthen our member parties and serve as a platform to grow and connect.
I ask for your support to continue modernising our party and I am looking forward to engage with you to learn about your ideas for ALDE.
Vice-President candidates
Yoko Alender
Eesti Reformierakond | Estonia
Yoko Alender was elected ALDE VP in 2024 in Estoril. On the Board her main focus has been the development of the Alliance of Her, policy work and the communications between liberals across Europe. ALDE is as strong as our Member Parties. Our Member Parties are as strong and resilient as the members of the Parties. Therefore, if elected for another term, Yoko wants to make ALDE even more helpful practically for the members of the Member Parties. Building on the great experience of the Alliance of Her she would like to develop more trainings and experience exchange programs to strengthen the skills and resilience of liberal politicians in these challenging times. Yoko is a firm believer in life-long learning and cooperation. Liberalism is the way to overcome divides, to give hope and inspire people. It starts with us ourselves being resilient, hopeful and inspired. Then we can pay it forward, changing the world, one person at a time.
Today, Yoko serves as the Chair of the Committee for Environment in the Estonian Parliament, the Riigikogu. She previously served as Minister for Climate working alongside several strong liberal European Ministers for Climate, Environment and Energy. She is an MP since 2015, re-elected three times and three times to the Tallinn City Council. She has served as a board member of the Estonian Reform Party and been a leader on green growth, quality living environment and equal rights issues. In the previous parliamentary term, Yoko served as Vice-Chair of the largest parliamentary group, being responsible for her colleagues’ wellbeing and career growth. The long experience in politics, as a leader and as a trainer of the Alliance of Her, she has a diverse package of skills for resilience and successful political work in her portfolio. She has an honest, but passionate and calm yet persistent nature fitting an experienced leader.
Yoko is educated as Master of Architecture and City planning and continues her doctoral studies in Architecture. She has worked in architecture, city-planning, cultural management, as a civil servant and as a consultant for adaptive leadership. Yoko has four children, is educated as a yoga teacher and therapist and personal development coach. Her main interest at present lies in the field of green growth. Yoko is the publisher of books: Cities for People (2015, 2017), Soft Cities (2021) and Nomad Century (2023) in Estonian.
Yoko speaks Estonian, English, Swedish and German.
Join Team Yoko!
Today, Yoko serves as the Chair of the Committee for Environment in the Estonian Parliament, the Riigikogu. She previously served as Minister for Climate working alongside several strong liberal European Ministers for Climate, Environment and Energy. She is an MP since 2015, re-elected three times and three times to the Tallinn City Council. She has served as a board member of the Estonian Reform Party and been a leader on green growth, quality living environment and equal rights issues. In the previous parliamentary term, Yoko served as Vice-Chair of the largest parliamentary group, being responsible for her colleagues’ wellbeing and career growth. The long experience in politics, as a leader and as a trainer of the Alliance of Her, she has a diverse package of skills for resilience and successful political work in her portfolio. She has an honest, but passionate and calm yet persistent nature fitting an experienced leader.
Yoko is educated as Master of Architecture and City planning and continues her doctoral studies in Architecture. She has worked in architecture, city-planning, cultural management, as a civil servant and as a consultant for adaptive leadership. Yoko has four children, is educated as a yoga teacher and therapist and personal development coach. Her main interest at present lies in the field of green growth. Yoko is the publisher of books: Cities for People (2015, 2017), Soft Cities (2021) and Nomad Century (2023) in Estonian.
Yoko speaks Estonian, English, Swedish and German.
Join Team Yoko!
Fatimazhra BELHIRCH
D66 | Netherlands
Fatimazhra Belhirch is a Member of the Dutch House of Representatives for D66, serving as spokesperson on defence and international security and Vice-Chair of the Committee on European Affairs. As a lawyer and diplomat, she has dedicated her career to advancing peace, security, and international cooperation, including as Chief of Staff to the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
Before entering the House of Representatives, she served in the Dutch Senate and held executive and governance roles. Throughout her career, she has combined diplomatic, executive and parliamentary leadership, leading change, strengthening institutions and building coalitions.
At international level, she serves as Vice-President of the Bureau for Peace and International Security of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is a member of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and has been actively involved in the ALDE family through its congresses and The Alliance Of Her.
Known as a bridge-builder and optimistic leader, Belhirch believes that liberal parties can renew themselves, inspire confidence and deliver progress when they work together. Proudly liberal, she is committed to strengthening our European and wider liberal family and believes that, when liberals lead with courage and optimism, they can build a freer, safer and more prosperous future for the next generation.
Before entering the House of Representatives, she served in the Dutch Senate and held executive and governance roles. Throughout her career, she has combined diplomatic, executive and parliamentary leadership, leading change, strengthening institutions and building coalitions.
At international level, she serves as Vice-President of the Bureau for Peace and International Security of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, is a member of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and has been actively involved in the ALDE family through its congresses and The Alliance Of Her.
Known as a bridge-builder and optimistic leader, Belhirch believes that liberal parties can renew themselves, inspire confidence and deliver progress when they work together. Proudly liberal, she is committed to strengthening our European and wider liberal family and believes that, when liberals lead with courage and optimism, they can build a freer, safer and more prosperous future for the next generation.
Rik DAEMS
MR & Anders | Belgium
Rik Daems is seeking re-election as Vice President of the ALDE Party, having been elected to his first two-year term in November 2024.
During his mandate, the ALDE Bureau, together with the Party President, has undertaken significant efforts to modernise the ALDE framework and strengthen support for member parties across Europe. Rik has actively contributed to this process and believes that important work remains ahead. He also wishes to recognise and commend the ALDE Secretariat for its dedication and hard work in advancing these reforms.
Drawing on extensive political experience at the local, regional, national, and international levels, Rik brings a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing liberal politics today. He is committed to continuing his contribution to the development and strengthening of the ALDE Party during a second term.
At a time when democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms are facing increasing challenges across Europe and beyond, Rik believes that ALDE and its member parties have a crucial role to play in defending liberal democratic values. He is convinced that the liberal political family remains a leading force in countering democratic backsliding and promoting freedom, openness, and human rights.
As part of his candidacy, Rik welcomes dialogue with member parties and their delegations. He is keen to hear suggestions and proposals that could help shape the Party's future priorities and, if re-elected, would seek to incorporate these ideas into his work during a second mandate.
View Resume
During his mandate, the ALDE Bureau, together with the Party President, has undertaken significant efforts to modernise the ALDE framework and strengthen support for member parties across Europe. Rik has actively contributed to this process and believes that important work remains ahead. He also wishes to recognise and commend the ALDE Secretariat for its dedication and hard work in advancing these reforms.
Drawing on extensive political experience at the local, regional, national, and international levels, Rik brings a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing liberal politics today. He is committed to continuing his contribution to the development and strengthening of the ALDE Party during a second term.
At a time when democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms are facing increasing challenges across Europe and beyond, Rik believes that ALDE and its member parties have a crucial role to play in defending liberal democratic values. He is convinced that the liberal political family remains a leading force in countering democratic backsliding and promoting freedom, openness, and human rights.
As part of his candidacy, Rik welcomes dialogue with member parties and their delegations. He is keen to hear suggestions and proposals that could help shape the Party's future priorities and, if re-elected, would seek to incorporate these ideas into his work during a second mandate.
View Resume
Yevheniia Kravchuk
Servant of the People | Ukraine
Yevheniia Kravchuk has been a Member of the Parliament of Ukraine since 2019 and has served as Vice-President of the ALDE Party since October 2024. She is Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, Deputy Chair of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, Co-Chair of the Contact Group between the Servant of the People Party and the Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament, and a member of Ukraine’s Permanent Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Yevheniia has been actively advocating for Ukraine’s interests internationally, promoting stronger European support for Ukraine, accountability for Russian crimes, democratic resilience and Ukraine’s European integration.
In 2023, she chaired the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media. She subsequently chaired the Sub-Committee on Youth and the Society of the Future and became the Committee’s Youth Rapporteur in 2025. In January 2026, Yevheniia was elected Chair of the PACE Sub-Committee on Media and Information Society. She is the author of several PACE resolutions, including “Justice and security for women in peace reconciliation”, “Countering the erasure of cultural identity in times of war and peace”, “Journalists matter: the need to step up efforts to liberate Ukrainian journalists held in captivity by the Russian Federation”, “Youth movements for democracy” and “Eliminating gender stereotypes in the media”.
In Ukraine, she co-authored the Law on Media and contributed to the media reform required for the country’s accession to the European Union. Since December 2025, she has chaired the Temporary Investigation Commission of the Ukrainian Parliament investigating crimes committed by Russian armed formations against journalists and other media workers.
Her political priorities include European security, support for Ukraine, countering disinformation and foreign interference, protecting media freedom and cultural heritage, advancing equality and non-discrimination, and strengthening the participation of women and young people in political and public life.
Resilience. Leadership. Freedom | Yevheniia Kravchuk
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Yevheniia has been actively advocating for Ukraine’s interests internationally, promoting stronger European support for Ukraine, accountability for Russian crimes, democratic resilience and Ukraine’s European integration.
In 2023, she chaired the PACE Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media. She subsequently chaired the Sub-Committee on Youth and the Society of the Future and became the Committee’s Youth Rapporteur in 2025. In January 2026, Yevheniia was elected Chair of the PACE Sub-Committee on Media and Information Society. She is the author of several PACE resolutions, including “Justice and security for women in peace reconciliation”, “Countering the erasure of cultural identity in times of war and peace”, “Journalists matter: the need to step up efforts to liberate Ukrainian journalists held in captivity by the Russian Federation”, “Youth movements for democracy” and “Eliminating gender stereotypes in the media”.
In Ukraine, she co-authored the Law on Media and contributed to the media reform required for the country’s accession to the European Union. Since December 2025, she has chaired the Temporary Investigation Commission of the Ukrainian Parliament investigating crimes committed by Russian armed formations against journalists and other media workers.
Her political priorities include European security, support for Ukraine, countering disinformation and foreign interference, protecting media freedom and cultural heritage, advancing equality and non-discrimination, and strengthening the participation of women and young people in political and public life.
Resilience. Leadership. Freedom | Yevheniia Kravchuk
JOUNI OVASKA
Keskusta | Finland
Jouni Ovaska was elected Vice President of ALDE two years ago. In his home country, Finland, he serves as a Member of Parliament and as Chair of the Transport and Communications Committee, as well as EU spokesperson. In addition, he leads the Centre Group in the Nordic Council. He has also previously served as Secretary General of the Centre Party when the party held the prime ministership.
His priority has been, and continues to be, to connect people, ideas, and the ALDE network: deepening cooperation among member parties and strengthening the voice of all regions across Europe; supporting the growth of liberal parties by sharing best practices, research, and expertise through the ALDE network; and reinforcing ALDE’s role as a pro-European force that defends democracy, the rule of law, human rights, security, and a competitive and sustainable economy.
Jouni’s goal is to turn this strategy into practice and concrete results. He is committed to continuing his work for a stronger ALDE and a more liberal Europe. He envisions that, in the future, the European Parliament will have one strong liberal party and one strong group.
His priority has been, and continues to be, to connect people, ideas, and the ALDE network: deepening cooperation among member parties and strengthening the voice of all regions across Europe; supporting the growth of liberal parties by sharing best practices, research, and expertise through the ALDE network; and reinforcing ALDE’s role as a pro-European force that defends democracy, the rule of law, human rights, security, and a competitive and sustainable economy.
Jouni’s goal is to turn this strategy into practice and concrete results. He is committed to continuing his work for a stronger ALDE and a more liberal Europe. He envisions that, in the future, the European Parliament will have one strong liberal party and one strong group.
Giorgi VASHADZE
Strategy Aghmashenebeli | Georgia
Giorgi Vashadze is the founder and leader of the Strategy Aghmashenebeli party and one of the most prominent voices of Europe’s pro-democratic opposition. Nominated with the unified support of all liberal ALDE member parties from Georgia, his candidacy represents a powerful, consolidated front for the country's Euro-Atlantic future. An alumnus of Harvard Business School and founder of the Innovation and Development Foundation (IDF), Giorgi has built his career on a single conviction: even the most complex bureaucratic systems can be made simple, agile, and transparent if driven by a practical builder’s mindset, the right strategy, and modern innovation.
Before entering frontline politics, Giorgi applied this builder’s mindset to lead some of the most celebrated public administration and e-governance reforms in modern European history. As Head of Georgia’s Civil Registry and later as Deputy Minister of Justice, he pioneered a total digital and institutional overhaul of the state machinery. He spearheaded the design of the region’s first biometric ID systems and digital signature platforms.
His crowning achievement, the globally acclaimed Public Service Halls, completely eradicated systemic corruption. Under his leadership, ground-breaking, citizen-centered innovations with no direct equivalent elsewhere—including 15-minute passport issuance, 15-minute business registration, Just Drive, and Just Café—turned abstract liberal values into a tangible reality that citizens could physically touch and experience daily. This reform blueprint became a global gold standard, recognized and recommended by the World Bank.
Today, Giorgi stands at the absolute frontline of the fight for Georgia’s European future. Operating in a volatile geopolitical landscape, he has faced imprisonment and politically motivated prosecution for his unyielding resistance to authoritarian encroachment and democratic backsliding. For him, values always come first.
Giorgi’s vision for transformation has always transcended national borders. Through the IDF, he has led a global network of policy experts, lending his hands-on expertise to support neighboring democracies—most notably Ukraine—as well as governments and international donors navigating complex markets across Central Asia and the Middle East, helping them cut through red tape and unlock economic opportunities.
Giorgi is running for the ALDE Bureau to champion a powerful agenda: BUILD, DEFEND, TRANSFORM. He believes that while Europe remains a trusted force for human dignity, values alone are not enough. Europe must not become a museum admired by the world; it must be a laboratory that shapes it.
Giorgi brings a unique blend of global strategic insight, proven crisis leadership, and front-line resilience to ensure ALDE leads Europe's next economic transformation—reclaiming global leadership in Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and digital innovation. He is running for Vice-President to turn liberal principles into practical solutions, making ALDE stronger, more ambitious, and more influential.
View Bio
Before entering frontline politics, Giorgi applied this builder’s mindset to lead some of the most celebrated public administration and e-governance reforms in modern European history. As Head of Georgia’s Civil Registry and later as Deputy Minister of Justice, he pioneered a total digital and institutional overhaul of the state machinery. He spearheaded the design of the region’s first biometric ID systems and digital signature platforms.
His crowning achievement, the globally acclaimed Public Service Halls, completely eradicated systemic corruption. Under his leadership, ground-breaking, citizen-centered innovations with no direct equivalent elsewhere—including 15-minute passport issuance, 15-minute business registration, Just Drive, and Just Café—turned abstract liberal values into a tangible reality that citizens could physically touch and experience daily. This reform blueprint became a global gold standard, recognized and recommended by the World Bank.
Today, Giorgi stands at the absolute frontline of the fight for Georgia’s European future. Operating in a volatile geopolitical landscape, he has faced imprisonment and politically motivated prosecution for his unyielding resistance to authoritarian encroachment and democratic backsliding. For him, values always come first.
Giorgi’s vision for transformation has always transcended national borders. Through the IDF, he has led a global network of policy experts, lending his hands-on expertise to support neighboring democracies—most notably Ukraine—as well as governments and international donors navigating complex markets across Central Asia and the Middle East, helping them cut through red tape and unlock economic opportunities.
Giorgi is running for the ALDE Bureau to champion a powerful agenda: BUILD, DEFEND, TRANSFORM. He believes that while Europe remains a trusted force for human dignity, values alone are not enough. Europe must not become a museum admired by the world; it must be a laboratory that shapes it.
Giorgi brings a unique blend of global strategic insight, proven crisis leadership, and front-line resilience to ensure ALDE leads Europe's next economic transformation—reclaiming global leadership in Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and digital innovation. He is running for Vice-President to turn liberal principles into practical solutions, making ALDE stronger, more ambitious, and more influential.
View Bio