Since September 2020, the innovative ALDE Party video series ‘Unique Stories of Liberals’ has highlighted liberal leaders at all levels of government and across Europe tackling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in their own political contexts. 

From MEPs to national ministers and mayors, the series has provided a unique insight into the lives of some of our liberal politicians. And we are not done yet! More episodes on different themes are planned for this autumn, so stay tuned.

Do you have a theme or a leader in mind that you would like us to interview? Don’t hesitate to send us your suggestion at [email protected]

Philippe De Backer (Open VLD, Belgium)

Starting the series in September was Philippe De Backer, who was nominated to lead the special taskforce dedicated to fighting COVID-19 in Belgium. In his interview, De Backer replied to questions related to his role in countering the pandemic, the taskforce and Belgium’s plan to fight the COVID-19 in addition to revealing what helped him personally during the pandemic.

Katalin Cseh (Momentum, Hungary)

In this episode we met with Kataline Cseh, MEP and Vice-President of the Renew Europe Group, to discuss topics such as overcoming the challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and increasing the resilience of our democracies. A trained physician, Cseh also revealed why she returned to work in the front lines during the crisis.

Eva De Bleeker (Open VLD, Belgium)

In this special episode launched in the connection of ALDE Party’s campaign ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, Belgian State Secretary and alumna of the European Women’s Academy Eva De Bleeker shared her own powerful message to young women and girls who are thinking about entering politics.

Nicolae Ștefănuță (USR, Romania)

According to Nicolae Ștefănuță MEP, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a terrible crisis but it has also opened many doors for EU health policy and created potential for a European health standard. Ștefănuță also shared his concern for the potential implications the polarised discussions between citizens for and against the vaccine could have for our democracies.

Emma Wiesner (Centerpartiet, Sweden)

Emma Wiesner MEP, Sweden’s youngest MEP who started her career at the European Parliament at the beginning of this year, combines her knowledge related to climate change and energy issues with her passion for politics. In her interview, Wiesner shared her view on sustainability and fighting COVID-19.

Anders Adlercreutz (SFP, Finland)

The free flow of information and people is essential for developing the Union, and we should not underestimate the potential negative effects of closed borders for the bloc, member of the Finnish Parliament Anders Adlercreutz cautioned in his interview, reflecting on the COVID-19 measures set by countries across the EU.

Remigijus Šimašius (Laisvės partija, Lithuania)

European mayors have played and continue to play an important role in managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor of Vilnius Remigijus Šimašius noted and shared with us his perspective on how mayors can effectively engage with citizens: putting ideas into practice and creating opportunities.

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