André Lajoinie, Prominent French Communist Leader, Dies at 94

The former presidential candidate and longtime advocate for workers' rights leaves behind a legacy of rural communism and parliamentary leadership.

André Lajoinie, a historic figure in the French Communist Party (PCF), passed away on November 26, 2024, at the age of 94.
Lajoinie served as a deputy in the Allier department from 1978 to 2002 and led the Communist group in the French National Assembly for 12 years.
He was the PCF's candidate in the 1988 French presidential election, securing 6.78% of the vote during a challenging period for the party.
A staunch advocate for workers and rural communities, he championed numerous causes, including anti-licensing laws, education funding, and social housing improvements.
Lajoinie's political career was shaped by his early experiences in agriculture, his commitment to communist ideals, and his resilience after a life-threatening injury in 1958.