Érasme-Louis Surlet de Chokier (French pronunciation: [eʁasm lwi syʁlɛ də ʃɔkje]; 27 November 1769 – 7 August 1839) was a Belgian politician who served as the first Regent of Belgium from 24 February 1831 until 21 July 1831, prior to the accession of Leopold I of Belgium.
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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.