Clémentine Barzin has decided to step down as leader of the MR group in the Brussels Parliament, so as to leave no room for doubt or criticism regarding the group's actions following the appointment of Boris Dilliès as Brussels Minister-President.
MR President Georges-Louis Bouchez was keen to praise this choice: “As President of the MR, I have always believed there was no reason for Clémentine to leave her role, given the quality of her work. We should live in a world where personal relationships remain private. Nevertheless, I commend Clémentine's selflessness and sense of duty, as she did not want to expose the MR to any risk of criticism. This honours her.”
Clémentine Barzin explained her decision with full transparency: “The Brussels MR, back in government after 22 years, bears a major responsibility for Brussels' success. Although the new liberal Minister-President, Boris Dilliès, and I each have long-standing, independent political careers, they intersect today, raising questions I understand. Freely, and with the support of my party, I am making a choice for clarity and for the team, in keeping with my commitment to the MR group in the Brussels Parliament since I took office.”
The leadership of the MR group in the Brussels Parliament is now entrusted to Loubna Azghoud.
A graduate of the Solvay Brussels School, Loubna Azghoud has more than twenty years of experience in management and public policy. Her career has taken her through several ministerial cabinets at the federal level, in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and in Brussels. A former chair of IRISnet, she has also held management roles at hub.brussels and is an engaged figure in the Brussels entrepreneurial ecosystem, notably at BeCentral.
Loubna Azghoud stated: “It is with honour and humility that I take on this new challenge. I am fully aware of the responsibility that falls to us at this historic moment for the Mouvement Réformateur. After 22 years in opposition, we return to the majority with the Minister-Presidency. As group leader, I will focus all my energy on supporting the government, our ministers and MPs, to deliver the reforms set out in the regional policy statement and to ensure our liberal principles are respected.”
At this important moment for the Brussels MR, the parliamentary group reaffirms its cohesion and full commitment to supporting the reforms undertaken for the benefit of the people of Brussels.