Jean Zay

1904-1944

The activity of this Loiret politician was closely tied to the historic episode of the Popular Front. Appointed Minister for Education by Léon Blum in 1936, he launched a vast programme of social reform in which Loiret played a leading role. Though his plan was too far ahead of its time to succeed, the ideas he put forward were an inspiration to post-war reformers. Zay was made a political prisoner and assassinated by the Militia.