Philippe Leruth elected new IFJ President

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 10 June 2016

Philippe Leruth was elected as the new president of the IFJ during their 29th World Congress held in Angers. He aims to restore unity and strengthen the organization's financial position.

Summary

BRUSSELS - Delegates of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) meeting at the 29th World Congress in Angers elected Philippe Leruth, member of the Belgian Association générale des Journalistes Professionnels de Belgique (AGJPB) as president of their organization on June 9. Journalist at the daily newspaper L’Avenir, Philippe Leruth was vice-president of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European group of the IFJ, from 2004 to 2013, and AGJPB president from 1995 to 2005. He is taking over from departing British President, Jim Boumelha, who headed the IFJ from 2007 to 2016. "The first challenge I will have to restore is IFJ unity" said the newly-elected president. "I wish to restore the solidarity links within the IFJ. My second challenge is to reinforce the financial situation of the IFJ." IFJ delegates also elected Moroccan Younes M’Jahed as senior vice-president, and Jim Boumelha as honorary treasurer. Elections are ongoing for vice-president and advisors’ positions. -IFJ