Sir Graham Watson, Liberal Democrat MEP and former leader of the Liberal ALDE group in the European Parliament has today been elected President of the European Liberal Democrat and Reform party during their Congress in Palermo, Italy.
After his election, Sir Graham said: "I am honoured that ELDR has chosen me to lead our great party. I pledge to strengthen European Liberalism, support Liberal parties across our continent and build up the ELDR by opening its doors to new members."
"My three main goals will be to expand our Party, to update its campaign techniques and to build it into a party which is truly pan-European in its thinking."
"The multiple crises we are currently mired in - economic, political and environmental - are an opportunity for Liberals to show what we are made of."
"It is our job as Liberals to explain how we offer a real, principled and economically responsible alternative to the behemoths of conservatism and socialism. And as President of ELDR I intend to do just that."
Notes to Editors
Video footage of the congress, the announcement of Graham's election and an interview with Sir Graham Watson after the election will be available to subscribers on www.theNewsMarket.com .
Sir Graham Watson can be interviewed in English, French, Italian or German.
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