Paul Marchandeau

Paul Henri Marie Joseph Marchandeau, born in Gaillac, Tarn on 10 August 1882, died in Paris 15th on 31 May 1968, was a lawyer, journalist and French Radical Socialist politician. He was awarded the Croix de guerre and the Légion d'honneur for his actions during World War I. From 1925 until 1942, he was the mayor of Reims. During the 1930s, he was, successively, French minister of finance, minister of the interior, minister of justice, and minister of the budget.

He was the first captain of the rugby club of the UA Gaillac of 1900–1901. More precisely, he was the captain of the Glaïeuls (school team) and Stade Gaillacois (civil athletic association) (the Athletic Union Gaillacoise not being formed until 20 December 1940).

In 1911, he started with the Éclaireur de l'Est (Light of the East) and quickly became editor and CEO.

He was elected to the city council and became mayor of Reims in 1925 until he resigned in 1942.

He was president of the (Association of Mayors of France) in 1934.

He was elected General Councilor of the 3rd canton in 1935 and president of the in 1937.

He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Reims La Sincérité, and was one of many elected Freemasons of the Marne.

In 1926, Paul Marchandeau began a political career on the national level. Elected Deputy of Marne, he has first a number of terms as Undersecretary of State.

As Keeper of the Seals, he was the author of the decree of 21 April 1939 amending the Law on the Freedom of the Press of 29 July 1881 by providing prosecution "when defamation or insult committed against a group of persons, by their origin, race or religion, will have been designed to arouse hatred among citizens or residents" (translated). This law was repealed by the law of the Vichy government of 16 August 1940.

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