Didier Reynders is a controversial figure yet a significant one in Belgian politics and the European arena. This former European Commissioner for Justice, Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs of Belgium, as well as a seasoned politician, has become the subject of a high-profile investigation. The Belgian Prosecution Service suspects him of money laundering through the purchase of lottery tickets. But are these accusations just a publicity stunt or is there something more to them?
From Liège to Brussels: the path to the top
Didier Reynders was born in the French-speaking city of Liège, in the region of Wallonia, and received a legal education. His political career started with joining the Walloon liberal party. Since then, he quickly established himself in Belgian politics, holding key government positions, including Minister of Finance. These were the years when Reynders demonstrated a remarkable talent for surviving in the political chaos of Belgium, characterized by diverse coalitions and frequent crises.
His tenure as Minister of Finance (until 2011) was marked not only by stability but also by significant political influence. Reynders managed to maintain his positions under four prime ministers. After that, he transitioned to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, which allowed him to showcase himself on the international stage.
The first shadow: scandals start catching up
Reynders’ political successes could not go unnoticed, but along with them came scandals. Back in 2019, when his candidacy for the position of European Commissioner in Ursula von der Leyen’s team was proposed, an investigation was launched against him. He was accused of corruption in state procurement for the construction of the Belgian embassy in Kinshasa. However, the investigation was dropped before he became a European Commissioner.
“Supremacy of law” as a mission
Reynders gained a reputation as a principled advocate for the rule of law in his position as European Commissioner for Justice. His work often led to confrontations with Poland and Hungary. He actively criticized their governments for violating democratic standards and initiated disciplinary procedures, even leading to the freezing of significant sums from the EU budget.
Lottery Tickets: The End or a New Chapter?
After his term in the European Commission ended in 2024, Reynders faced new accusations. The Belgian prosecution is investigating how and with what funds he had been buying lottery tickets for years. This investigation caused a stir, especially among his political opponents.
Does this signify the end of Didier Reynders’ career? Or perhaps it is just a new chapter in his life? One thing remains unchanged: his journey is a story of how politics can be both a rise and a trial, which not everyone can pass without staining their reputation.
