Georges Janssen
Georges Janssen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1892 |
| Died | June 9, 1941 (aged 48–49) |
| Occupation(s) | Jurist, government official |
| Known for | Governor of the National Bank of Belgium (1938–1941) |
Georges Janssen (1892 – 9 June 1941) was a prominent Belgian jurist, government official, and served as the governor of the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) from 1938 until his death in 1941. During his tenure, he safeguarded the Belgian currency amid intense speculative pressures in 1938 and faced significant difficulties under the Nazi occupation during World War II, which ultimately impacted his health and led to his demise.
Education and early career
Janssen started his professional journey as a lawyer and academic, securing a position as a law professor at the Free University of Brussels in 1928. His father, Camille Janssen, had previously held the office of Governor-General of the Congo Free State. Georges also took on administrative responsibilities at Mutuelle Solvay beginning in 1928 and later at Société Belge de Banque from 1932. In 1935, he was named president of the newly formed Banking Commission.
National Bank of Belgium
In October 1937, Janssen was appointed as a director of the NBB, quickly advancing to vice-governor and then ascending to governor in January 1938 after the passing of Louis Franck. Facing criticism for simultaneously holding the governorship and presidency of the Banking Commission, he stepped down from the latter role in September 1938. That same year, he successfully countered severe speculative attacks on the Belgian franc, strengthening the National Bank’s authority over monetary policy. He also orchestrated the relocation of Belgium’s gold reserves abroad prior to the outbreak of World War II.
World War II period
Following the onset of war in May 1940, Janssen accompanied the Belgian government to France but returned to Belgium after the armistice with authorization from Camille Gutt. Resuming his duties as governor, he soon found himself in conflict with Nazi authorities regarding occupation expenses, currency issuance, and control over gold reserves stored in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he resisted measures restricting the Université libre de Bruxelles. These disputes, combined with deteriorating health, culminated in his passing on 9 June 1941.