Jean-Marie Le Pen, who passed away on Tuesday (January 7, 2025) at the age of 96, was a controversial figure in French politics, known for his far-right views and inflammatory statements. He was a co-founder of the National Front, which later became the National Rally, and was eventually ousted from the party by his daughter Marine Le Pen for anti-Semitic remarks.
Le Pen caused a stir in 2002 when he unexpectedly made it to the second round of the presidential election, ultimately losing to Jacques Chirac. Despite his lack of success in politics, he believed that the rise of far-right movements across Europe validated his beliefs.
Born in 1928 in La Trinite-sur-Mer, Le Pen had a military background, serving in wars in Indochina and Algeria before entering politics. His nationalist and anti-immigrant rhetoric resonated with right-wing voters, and he was known for his fiery speeches and controversial statements.
Throughout his career, Le Pen was criticized for his racist and anti-Semitic views, as well as his dismissive comments about the Holocaust. Despite facing multiple convictions for hate speech, he continued to espouse his extreme beliefs.
Le Pen’s relationship with his daughter Marine, who took over the leadership of the National Front in 2011, was strained due to their ideological differences. She sought to distance the party from its extremist roots, a process she called “de-diabolisation.”
After a public falling out in 2015, Marine Le Pen removed her father from the party, and later rebranded it as the National Rally. The party has since made significant gains in both European and French politics, underlining the enduring influence of the Le Pen name.
Despite his controversial legacy, Jean-Marie Le Pen’s impact on French politics is undeniable, shaping the far-right movement in the country for decades.
Published – January 07, 2025 06:51 pm IST
