European Communist Action: Statement on the 90th founding anniversary of the International Brigades

The European Communist Action commemorates the 90th anniversary of the founding of the International Brigades and the heroic sacrifice of thousands of working men and women who left behind their own countries, their jobs, their families and their homes to fight fascism in Spain, whilst many of the Communist Parties to which they belonged were operating in clandestinity. 

Their courage remains a point of reference for the struggle of the working class to this day, and their experience also offers valuable political lessons that we must not forget.

Josep Almudéver Mateu, last fighter of the International Brigades, dies at 101

Josep Eduardo Almudéver Mateu, the last surviving member of the International Brigades who fought against the fascist Franco regime in Spain, died on Tuesday 26 May at the age of 101. 

Almudéver, who was born on 30 July 1919 in Marseille to Spanish parents, was 16 and living in the Valencian town of Alcàsser when Franco’s coup triggered the Spanish civil war.

In 1936, at the age of 17, he enlisted to join the fight in defense of the Republic. He participated in the Aragon front where he was wounded. He was sent home when his true age emerged. However, Almudéver didn't give up. He used his French nationality to join the International Brigades so he could carry on fighting.

PCPE and KKE paid tribute to the legendary International Brigades in Madrid

In a joint event that took place at Morata de Tajuña, in the community of Madrid, the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE) and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) paid tribute to the heroic International Bridages (Brigadas Internacionales) which fought against the fascists during the Spanish Civil War. 

The event took place on November 10th at the memorial dedicated to the men and women of the International Brigades, where representatives of the two parties laid wreaths in memory of the heroic fighters.

The General Secretary of the PCPE Ástor García attended the event, while the KKE was represented by the member of the Political Bureau Giorgos Marinos.