Jean-Marie Le Pen, the influential founder of France’s far-right National Front, has passed away at the age of 96. Known for his provocative anti-immigration rhetoric and nationalist agenda, Le Pen was a deeply polarizing figure in French politics.
His death, confirmed by National Rally President Jordan Bardella, marks the end of an era for the far-right movement in France.
Le Pen’s career was characterized by both fervent support from his followers and widespread criticism for his inflammatory statements, including Holocaust denial and calls for the isolation of people with AIDS.
French President Emmanuel Macron described him as a “historic figure of the far right,” leaving his legacy for history to judge.
Despite facing multiple convictions for antisemitism, racial hatred, and discrimination, Le Pen continued to position himself as a patriot, defending the identity of “eternal France.”
A defining moment in his controversial career occurred in 2002, when he made it to the second round of the French presidential election, shocking the nation.
His extremist views, however, ultimately distanced many, including his daughter, Marine Le Pen.
In 2015, Marine expelled her father from the party he founded, rebranding it as the National Rally and softening its stance.
Under her leadership, the party moved into the political mainstream. While their estrangement was evident, Marine’s career remains linked to the far-right movement her father helped shape.
Le Pen’s passing comes at a critical juncture for Marine, who is currently facing legal challenges that may result in imprisonment and a political ban if convicted of embezzlement.
Born in 1928 in Brittany, Le Pen was a veteran of the French Foreign Legion and served in the Indochina and Algerian wars before entering politics.
As the leader of the National Front, his aggressive speeches targeted Muslim immigrants, blaming them for France’s social and economic issues.
His famous slogan—“If I advance, follow me; if I die, avenge me; if I shirk, kill me”—was a hallmark of his combative style.
Le Pen may have been ousted from his party in later years, but his influence on French politics remains undeniable. His legacy, marked by his controversial views, continues to fuel debate.
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