For the first time ever, the European Liberal Forum awarded the most outstanding liberal figures of the year. The Liberal Awards Ceremony took place during the ALDE Party Council in the heart of Italy – Rome.
What a fabulous day! For the first time ever, the European Liberal Forum awarded the most outstanding liberal figures of the year. The Liberal Awards Ceremony took place during the ALDE Party Council in the heart of Italy – Rome.
Here are the three winners in their respective categories!
Katalin Cseh: Best speech
Who: After taking up her mandate in the European Parliament, Katalin was elected for the position of Vice-President of Renew Europe. She is an active member of the European Parliament’s Gender Mainstreaming Network, as well as the bureau member of the Anti-Corruption Intergroup and Vice-Chair of the Climate Intergroup. Katalin is also the Chair of Renew Europe’s Working Group on Values and Democracy.
Why: This year, Katalin delivered a fierce, clear, and inspiring speech in the European Parliament regarding the abuses of the Hungarian government of Viktor Orban. The winner brought justified “fire and fury” and showed why the Rule of Law conditionality regulation needs to be applied. She only had 90 seconds, and she used all of them amazingly.
It is such an honour to receive this award. I dedicate it to all party members and activists in Momentum, who are fighting every day to rebuild our democracy. Representing them and giving voice to them in the European Parliament has been the honour of a lifetime. Thank you for all the support from our European liberal family, who continue to stand behind us and still have faith in a better Hungary.
Johan Norberg: Political Disruptor
Who: Johan is a historian of ideas, an author and a documentary filmmaker from Sweden. The Economist has described his latest book Open: The Story of Human Progress as “clear, colourful and convincing”. Furthermore, some of his books were translated into around 30 languages!
Why: Johan has been brave enough to shake up the liberal world by promoting the principles and values of freedom and economic globalisation. Therefore, the European Liberal Forum has awarded him with the Political Disruptor prize. With striking data and figures, he defends a refreshingly optimistic conception of our future. He is someone who hasn’t been afraid to expound ideas out of the liberals’ comfort zone.
Wow. This is a great honour for me. Right now, liberalism plays defense against a more statist left and an increasingly nationalist right, so Europe urgently needs innovative liberal ideas, for an open and dynamic continent. To be recognized for my part in this by the European Liberal Forum is incredibly inspiring.
Alena Trauschel: Rising Star
Who: Alena started her political career in 2017 and serves as the Spokesperson for her parliamentary group for career training, women’s rights, LGBTQI and EU policy.
Why: Alena wrote history by getting elected to the state parliament of Baden-Wuerttemberg as its youngest ever member at only 22 years old. She is now in charge of topics such as education, Europe, music, women, and LGBTQI rights, as well as being the chairwoman of the working group “Europe” in the Parliament.
I am honoured and grateful to be chosen as the „Rising Star“ by the European Liberal Forum Jury. I am aware of my unique position and will continue to fight for the topics of my generation and the liberal community. The time is always right to fight for liberalism.
Check out the memorable moments of ELF’s first Liberal Awards here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmXe7X3P