Georges-Louis Bouchez Advocates for MR Party's Move to EPP Group

Georges-Louis Bouchez, president of the Belgian liberal party MR, has expressed support for his party leaving the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament to join the European People's Party (EPP). Speaking at a gathering with activists in Somme-Leuze, Bouchez argued that current parliamentary groups lack ideological coherence. He criticized the composition of Renew, noting that it includes Slovak liberals and Dutch D66 members whom he perceives as leaning left, closer to green or socialist positions. In contrast, he stated that the MR and the Dutch VVD frequently align with center-right EPP parties, such as the French Republicans. Bouchez proposed a broader recomposition of the European Parliament, suggesting that radical EPP factions should merge with far-right groups like the ECR or Patriots, while moderate ECR figures, including Bart De Wever and Giorgia Meloni, should join the EPP. This statement highlights growing tensions within European liberal alliances and signals a potential strategic shift for Belgian liberals toward the center-right bloc, raising questions about the future stance of fellow MR MEP Sophie Wilmès.