Valérie Hayer elected President of Renew Europe

On 25 January, Valérie Hayer MEP was elected as the new President of Renew Europe by acclamation at a group meeting in Brussels.

Hayer (Renaissance, FR) replaces former President Stéphane Séjourné, who left his post earlier this month to take up the role of Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.

ALDE Party Vice-President Malik Azmani MEP (VVD, NL), who took up the presidency on an interim basis following Séjourné’s departure, will return to his original post of First Vice-President of Renew Europe.

Congratulations @ValerieHayer on your new role as president of the Renew Europe group. 🇪🇺

I have tremendous faith in you and we know you will be a great group leader in this election year.

Over the next six months, @RenewEurope will work together as a strong, united family… pic.twitter.com/dAvmOV8Ltp
— Malik Azmani (@MalikAzmani) January 25, 2024

“Valérie, the whole group has a tremendous faith in you and we know you will be a great group leader in this election year. Over the next six months, you will lead our group and you will ensure that we work together as a strong united family towards the next election,” said Azmani.

Hayer becomes the youngest-ever leader of the liberal and democrat family in the European Parliament, as well as the second woman to take up the role after Simone Veil between 1984-1989.

Today, my colleagues have elected me as President of @RenewEurope.

It is a major honour to follow in the footsteps of @Steph_Sejourne, @CiolosDacian, @GuyVerhofstadt and… Simone Veil! I realise the responsibility it entails. Je ferai tout pour m’en montrer digne.

Merci ! 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/sCsmuw4RBk
— Valérie Hayer (@ValerieHayer) January 25, 2024

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the Renew Europe family in the build up to European elections that will be so decisive for our continent. I welcome the trust given to me by my colleagues, and I know I can count on Malik and the group’s support. Our family is strongly united and optimistic about the upcoming elections," said Hayer.

"The diversity of our group, from ALDE Party, the European Democrats, and those who are not affiliated is our strength. Our goal is clearer than ever: to be the pro-European antidote to rising populism, provide solutions to citizen's concerns and come back even stronger in this house after the elections."