PARIS – Jean-Marie Le Pen, the controversial founder of the National Front, a French far-right political party, has died at the age of 96. His death comes during a crucial period for his daughter, Marine Le Pen, who faces potential legal repercussions from an ongoing embezzlement trial.
Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally (formerly the National Front), announced Le Pen's passing on social media Tuesday. Le Pen's legacy is deeply intertwined with French political history, particularly shaping the trajectory of the far-right.
A polarizing figure, Le Pen was known for his strong rhetoric against immigration and multiculturalism, often earning both fervent support and widespread condemnation. His controversial statements, including Holocaust denial, led to multiple convictions and strained his political alliances.
Significantly, Le Pen's relationship with his daughter, Marine Le Pen, fractured in 2015. She renamed the party, distancing herself from her father's image and transforming it into a prominent political force.
Le Pen's outspoken anti-immigration stance, often targeting Muslim immigrants, defined his political career. He viewed his mission as preserving French identity under the National Front. His forceful oratory style, evident in quotes like, "If I advance, follow me; if I die, avenge me; if I shirk, kill me," captivated followers.
Despite his expulsion from the National Rally and previous convictions, Le Pen's divisive political legacy endured. Recently, he was granted a reprieve from a trial concerning alleged embezzlement of European Parliament funds due to failing health. He had a history of convictions, including those for violence against a public official and antisemitic speech.
French judicial authorities appointed a legal guardian for Le Pen in February, reflecting his declining health. His passing marks the end of a prominent, yet contentious, chapter in French political history.
