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Paul VergesActivist in the Reunion labor movement, founder of the Communist Party
Date of Birth: 05.03.1925
Country:  France |
Content:
- Paul Vergès: A Legacy of Communist Activism and Political Leadership
- Communist Movement
- Leadership of the PCR
- Political Career
- Family
- Legacy
Paul Vergès: A Legacy of Communist Activism and Political Leadership
Early Life and EducationPaul Vergès was born in Ubon, Thailand, on March 5, 1925, to Raymond Vergès, a doctor and communist activist. Vergès studied law at the University of Paris.
Communist Movement
In 1945, Vergès joined the French Communist Party (PCF). He served as a member of the French National Assembly for Réunion from 1956 to 1958. In 1959, Vergès co-founded the Communist Party of Réunion (PCR) and became its first secretary.
Leadership of the PCR
Vergès led the PCR as its general secretary from 1967 to 1993. Under his leadership, the party became the largest in Réunion. Vergès also directed the party's newspaper, Témoignage, founded by his father.
Political Career
In 1996, Vergès was elected to the French Senate. From 2004 to 2019, he served as a member of the European Parliament. In 1998, Vergès became president of the Regional Council of Réunion, a position he held until 2010.
Family
Vergès's twin brother, Jacques Vergès, was a controversial lawyer who defended war criminals such as Klaus Barbie and Slobodan Milošević. His son, Pierre Vergès, is a leader of the PCR and vice-president of the Regional Council of Réunion. Another son, Laurent, was also a communist activist before his death in a car accident in 1988.
Legacy
Paul Vergès is remembered as a prominent communist activist and political leader who played a significant role in the development of Réunion. His legacy continues through the Communist Party of Réunion and his family, who have carried on his commitment to social justice and political engagement.
