Valérie Hayer elected President of Renew Europe

The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament today elected, by acclamation, Valérie Hayer as President of the Group. The nomination of Valérie Hayer was fully endorsed by all members of the Group, following the interim presidency held by the First vice-president of the group, Malik Azmani.

Valérie Hayer is only the second woman to lead the Liberal and Democrat family in the European Parliament, following in the footsteps of Simone Veil, who led the Group of the Party of European Liberals and Democrats from 1984 to 1989. Valérie becomes the youngest ever leader of the Liberal and Democrat faction in the Parliament.

Speaking after her election, Valérie Hayer, said:

“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. There is no time to waste; our group will continue to steer the work of this Parliament and deliver a stronger Europe for the benefit of citizens."

“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 up-coming elections. The diversity of our group, from the 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!"

First-Vice President of the Group, Malik Azmani MEP said:

“Over the past four and a half years, I have proudly been working towards a stronger Union and I will continue to do so. I believe that Valérie Hayer will lead the group in an excellent way; she has my support as Group President."

Background:

Valérie Hayer has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2019. Affiliated with Renaissance in France, she was co-president of Renew Europe's French delegation (L'Europe Ensemble) with Marie-Pierre Vedrenne from 2021 until today. Valérie Hayer worked on the EU budget, has negotiated the MFF for Parliament and is Renew Europe's Budgets coordinator. Her other works include the protection of the rule of law, LGBT rights and the support for European industries. She is also involved in mobilising pro-European civil society in France. Before joining the European Parliament, Valérie Hayer was a local councillor in her home region in France.