Introduction
Valérie Hayer, a prominent figure from Macron’s Renaissance party, has been at the helm of the European Parliament’s liberal Renew group since January 2021. However, her leadership is now under threat as the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) attempts to unseat her.
The ALDE Challenge
ALDE, the largest of the three political forces within the centrist Renew Europe, has set its sights on the French leadership position. Their proposed candidate is Portuguese MEP João Cotrim de Figueiredo, a first-time winner of seats for the Iniciativa Liberal party in the EU elections. Despite this challenge, Hayer is expected to garner sufficient support from her own party, the European Democratic Party (EDP), and some ALDE members to retain her leadership role.
Leadership Contest
Applicants have until Monday evening to submit their candidacy, with a group vote scheduled for Tuesday, June 25. Hayer, representing Macron’s Renaissance party, is poised to overcome the challenge. However, the contest follows a significant loss of seats for the French liberal delegation within the Liberal group, dropping from 23 to 10 after the June elections.
ALDE’s Intentions
Earlier this month, during a meeting of delegation leaders, ALDE confirmed its intention to replace the French leader of the group. The position has been held by French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné and, more recently, by Valérie Hayer. ALDE’s press release emphasized their readiness to assume leadership responsibilities within the parliamentary group.
Complex Political Landscape
The leadership challenge comes at a critical juncture for the liberals. They have been surpassed by the far-right European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) as the third-largest force in the parliament. With 83 seats to 74, the liberals face competition from various quarters, including the pro-European Volt group and the Czech ANO party.
The EU liberal group has until June 26 to finalize its composition, with additional members expected to join Renew Europe and narrow the gap with the ECR group. The outcome will shape the future dynamics of European politics
SOURCE: Ref Image from Financial Times
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