Érasme-Louis Surlet de Chokier

Early life and the Liège Revolution

Born in Liège, Surlet de Chokier participated in the Liège Revolution of 1789, which followed the broader revolutionary movements then unfolding in Europe. During the uprising against Prince-Bishop César-Constantin-François de Hoensbroeck, he served in the patriotic forces. After the defeat of revolutionary troops by Austrian forces in 1790, he temporarily went into exile before returning to his estate at Gingelom in 1792.

French and Napoleonic period

Following the annexation of the region by Revolutionary France, Surlet de Chokier entered public service under the French administration. In 1800 he was appointed mayor of Gingelom and later became a member of the departmental council of Meuse-Inférieure. In 1812 he served as a member of the French legislative body.

United Kingdom of the Netherlands

After the defeat of Napoleon and the creation of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815, Surlet de Chokier became a member of the House of Representatives of the Staten-Generaal, where he emerged as a leading figure among representatives from the southern provinces. His opposition to the policies of William I of the Netherlands earned him the nickname "Surlet de Choquant." Although he was created a baron in 1816, he was not re-elected in 1828.

Belgian Revolution and Regency

Following the outbreak of the Belgian Revolution, Surlet de Chokier was elected as a deputy to the National Congress of Belgium representing the Arrondissement of Hasselt. He was subsequently chosen as chairman of the Congress and participated in the drafting of the Belgian Constitution.

After Prince Louis, Duke of Nemours declined the Belgian crown, the National Congress appointed Surlet de Chokier as Regent of Belgium on 24 February 1831. He exercised the functions of head of state until Leopold I formally took the constitutional oath as King of the Belgians on 21 July 1831.

Death

Surlet de Chokier died on 7 August 1839 in Gingelom.