5 years ago, Axel Miller became chief of staff to Georges-Louis Bouchez with a clear objective: to reorganise the programme and reinvigorate liberal thinking, with the 2024 elections as the target. By the end of this period, the objectives were achieved, even beyond the hopes of many liberals. Axel had expressed his wish to take on new challenges after this task. It was therefore agreed that he would henceforth become special adviser to the presidency.
To ensure his succession, the MR President appointed Rudy Aernoudt as chief of staff of the MR Presidency this Monday, 17 March.
Rudy Aernoudt, born in Torhout, is an economist, philosopher and writer. He was chief of staff to the President of the European Economic and Social Committee. He teaches corporate finance at the universities of Ghent and Nancy, and geopolitics at BMI-HEC Paris. He was the first to oppose separatist tensions in Belgium. He began his career at the European Commission.
Author of several works, notably the bestseller “Wallonie - Flandre, Je t'aime moi non plus” (2006), he defends Belgian unity and fights Flemish clichés about Wallonia. Drawing on his rich experience, Rudy Aernoudt has been chief of staff for liberals at every level of power: European, federal and regional (Flanders and Wallonia).
Axel Miller stated: "I had told Georges-Louis Bouchez that after 5 years by his side as chief of staff, I considered my cycle complete and that it was time for me to move on to a new stage. I thank Georges-Louis for his trust, and he knows how much pleasure and honour it was for me to work with him. I have great admiration for the way he has shaped the MR's political line over the past five years, which enabled a remarkable electoral victory in June 2024, followed by the installation of ambitious reform governments both federally and in the Walloon Region and the French Community. The challenges remain numerous and ever-changing, and I have every confidence that Rudy Aernoudt, whom I know well and who is a friend, will be the ideal profile to continue taking on the role of chief of staff of the MR Presidency. Georges-Louis and Rudy know they can count on me to ensure the transition under the best possible conditions. They will always be able to call on me in the future if they feel I can help contribute to the success of our political project. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the party's staff, as well as all our colleagues active in the parliaments and governments. Working with them has been a pleasure and a privilege. We do not sufficiently realise the quality and dedication of these teams, who often work under difficult conditions to ensure the implementation of our political convictions in the service of our fellow citizens."
Rudy Aernoudt stated: "I did not hesitate for a second to say yes to Georges-Louis's request. For decades I have been convinced that it is through liberalism, through this balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility, that we can ensure the best quality of life for all Belgians. The MR, chaired by Georges-Louis Bouchez, is the party par excellence that embodies this balance while respecting everyone".
Georges-Louis Bouchez stated: "This choice is motivated by Rudy's experience, unique in Belgium, at every level of power, from the regional to the European Commission via the federal, which will be essential for the MR in implementing the structural reforms set out in the general policy statements. This decision also reflects the MR's wish to spread its liberal political project in Flanders, in the spirit of a united, reformed, efficient and forward-looking Belgium."
This decision is part of a broader reorganisation of the Mouvement Réformateur, the results of which will be presented to you in the coming weeks.