Jean Lassalle

Jean Lassalle 03 (cropped)

Jean Lassalle (born 3 May 1955) is a French politician who has served as a member of the National Assembly since 2002, representing the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. He is known for his distinctive personality and his advocacy for rural communities.

Early Life and Education

Jean Lassalle was born in Lourdios-Ichère, a small village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. He comes from a family of shepherds and has always been deeply connected to his rural roots. Lassalle studied at the National School of Agronomy in Toulouse, where he earned a degree in agricultural engineering.

Political Career

Lassalle began his political career as a member of the Union for French Democracy (UDF). He was first elected as the mayor of his hometown, Lourdios-Ichère, in 1977, a position he held until 2017. In 2002, he was elected to the National Assembly, representing the 4th constituency of Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Hunger Strike

In 2006, Lassalle gained national attention when he went on a 39-day hunger strike to protest the relocation of a factory owned by the Japanese company Toyal from his constituency. His protest was successful, and the factory remained in the region, preserving local jobs.

Presidential Campaign

In 2017, Lassalle ran for the French presidential election as an independent candidate. He campaigned on a platform focused on rural issues, decentralization, and environmental sustainability. Although he did not advance to the second round, his campaign brought significant attention to the challenges faced by rural communities in France.

Political Positions

Lassalle is known for his strong advocacy for rural areas and his opposition to the centralization of power in Paris. He has been a vocal critic of the European Union's agricultural policies, which he believes disadvantage small farmers. Lassalle also supports environmental conservation and has called for greater investment in renewable energy.

Personal Life

Jean Lassalle is married and has four children. He is known for his love of traditional Béarn culture and often participates in local festivals and events. Lassalle is also a talented singer and has recorded several albums of traditional Béarnese songs.

See Also

• National Assembly (France)
• Pyrénées-Atlantiques
• Union for French Democracy
• French presidential election, 2017