Here at Place Ambroise Croizat we honor a man who dedicated his life to the working class. Ambroise Croizat was a French communist politician. He served as Minister of Labour. Later he became Minister of Labour and Social Security.
Ambroise Croizat served in these roles in 1946 and 1947. The Place Ambroise Croizat is located in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. This is in the Petit-Montrouge area. It sits where Avenue Paul Appell intersects with other streets. These are Rue Georges de Porto-Riche and Rue Monticelli.
Croizat’s life story is quite inspiring. Born in 1901 he entered the workforce at just 13 years old. He became a skilled metalworker. In 1928 he rose to become the general secretary. He headed the federation of metalworkers within the CGT trade union. Later he became a deputy for the Seine.
As Minister of Labour Croizat made his mark. From November 1945 to May 1947 he established France’s general social security system. He worked with Pierre Laroque a senior civil servant. This earned him the nickname “minister of workers”.
Croizat passed away in 1951 due to lung cancer. A million people attended his funeral. He was buried in the Père-Lachaise cemetery.
The Place Ambroise Croizat was created in 2008. It stands as a tribute to his contributions. The square is accessible via the Metro line 4. The nearest station is Porte d’Orléans. Tram line 3a also provides access.
Many places bear his name. A commemorative plaque marks his former residence. It is located at 79, Rue Daguerre in the 14th arrondissement. Streets and avenues across France honor him. These include locations such as Saint-Martin-d’Hères and Saint-Denis.
Even buildings bear his name. There is a Salle des Fêtes Ambroise Croizat in Venissieux. A high school in Moûtiers also carries his name. These tributes show his lasting impact on French society.
Croizat’s work focused on social security. He organized health insurance, pensions, and family allowances. This was based on the National Council of Resistance’s program. He also improved French labor law. He strengthened workplace committees and promoted occupational medicine. He also regulated overtime. He created the miners’ statute.
His legacy continues to inspire. Croizat’s dedication to workers’ rights. His role in establishing France’s social security system. All serve as reminders of his important contributions. Place Ambroise Croizat stands as a testament to his enduring influence. It reminds us of his fight for social justice.