16 Facts About Didier Reynders

Didier Reynders held various positions in public institutions before becoming a member of the House in 1992.

Until resigning to become the Belgian European Commissioner Reynders had been a minister continuously from 1999 to 2019.

Didier Reynders served as Federal Minister of Finance until December 2011 in six different governments, then became Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, later for Trade, Foreign Affairs, and European Affairs in two consecutive governments.

Didier Reynders was born in Liege as the youngest in a family with three children.

Didier Reynders began his career as a lawyer in 1981 before serving as Chairman of the National Railway Company of Belgium from 1986 to 1991.

Didier Reynders served as Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2011; in 2002, he chaired the G-10 which is the meeting of the main creditor states.

In 2004 Didier Reynders became Deputy Prime Minister in the government of Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt.

Didier Reynders was the chairman of the Mouvement Reformateur from 2004 to 2011.

Didier Reynders led the MR to a victory in the 2007 general elections when the MR became the largest Francophone party of Belgium.

Didier Reynders was appointed informateur by the King on 2 February 2011.

Didier Reynders reported on 16 February 2011, and his brief was extended through 1 March 2011.

Didier Reynders' hearing at the European Parliament was held in September 2019 and his nomination was approved by a large majority.

In 2020, Didier Reynders announced plans to develop a legislative proposal by 2021 requiring businesses to carry out due diligence in relation to the potential human rights and environmental impacts of their operations and supply chains.

In September 2023, Didier Reynders was temporarily assigned by von der Leyen the European Commission's competition portfolio following outgoing European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager's announcement that she was officially a candidate for the presidency of the European Investment Bank.

In 2015, Didier Reynders drew criticism for having his face painted black during a traditional festival in Brussels.

In September 2019, Belgian police investigated allegations of corruption and money-laundering against Didier Reynders, relating to the construction of the Belgian embassy building in Kinshasa, the lease of a federal police HQ and other matters.