10 Facts About Agostino Novella

Agostino Novella was an Italian trade unionist and communist politician.

Agostino Novella joined the Socialist Youth Federation in 1920, becoming active in the anti-fascist movement, and by 1923 was serving on the federation's national committee.

In 1925, Agostino Novella undertook national service with the military, but he continued his political activities, and as a result spent time in military prison.

Agostino Novella was discharged the following year, and became a leading supporter of Gramsci, serving on the central committee of the Italian Communist Youth Federation.

Agostino Novella was then imprisoned, being released in 1931 and exiled to France, where he became secretary of the FGCI.

Agostino Novella undertook numerous missions for the group, serving on the executive of the Communist Youth International, and studying at the Tolmacev School in Leningrad, and Sverdlov Communist University.

Agostino Novella was arrested in 1942, but the Vichy regime was unaware of his true identity, and so he was released.

Agostino Novella worked as the PCd'I's regional secretary for Liguria, then Lombardy, then from 1948 was the principal organiser of the Italian General Confederation of Labour.

In 1970, CGIL voted to separate its leadership from that of the PCI; Agostino Novella chose to retain his position on the central committee of the party, and resigned as the federation's secretary.

Agostino Novella stood down in 1972, his health worsening, and was made the party's president of international relations.