The former paratrooper and founder of France's far-right National Rally party, Jean-Marie Le Pen, has passed away at the age of 96. He led the party from 1972 to 2011, previously known as the National Front. Le Pen's family confirmed his death, stating that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.
Controversial Legacy
Throughout his life, Jean-Marie Le Pen courted controversy with his extremist views and inflammatory statements. He faced legal action for downplaying the Holocaust, praising France's wartime collaborationist government, and making insensitive remarks about various ethnic groups.
In 2014, he even suggested that the deadly Ebola virus could be a solution to global overpopulation. Le Pen's divisive rhetoric and actions led to multiple convictions for hate speech and inciting discrimination.
Political Career and Family
Despite his controversial nature, Le Pen had a significant impact on French politics. He ran for president five times and stunned the nation in 2002 by advancing to the second round of voting, ultimately losing to Jacques Chirac.
Le Pen's daughter, Marine Le Pen, succeeded him as the leader of the National Rally party in 2011. However, their relationship soured as she tried to distance the party from her father's extremist image. In 2018, she expelled him from the party after extended legal battles.
Born the only child of a Breton fisherman and seamstress, Jean-Marie Le Pen had a tumultuous upbringing. He joined the military at a young age, serving in the French Foreign Legion and participating in conflicts in Indochina and Algeria.
Despite his controversial past, Le Pen remained active in politics, serving as an MEP until 2019. He also had three daughters, with Marine Le Pen following in his footsteps as a prominent figure in French politics.
Far-right, National Rally Party, Jean-Marie Le Pen, France, Controversial, Politics
