Jean-Marie Le Pen, Founder of France’s National Front, Dies at 96

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the controversial founder of France‘s far-right National Front (FN), now known as the National Rally (RN), died on January 7 at the age of 96. Le Pen, a polarizing figure in French politics, was instrumental in shaping the country’s far-right movement and leaves behind a complex legacy marked by both political longevity and deep divisions.

Born on June 20, 1928, in La Trinité-sur-Mer, Brittany, Le Pen began his political career as one of the youngest deputies in France during the Fourth Republic. He co-founded the National Front in 1972, a party that would become synonymous with anti-immigration, Euroscepticism, and nationalist rhetoric. Over the decades, Le Pen’s inflammatory remarks on topics such as immigration, the Holocaust, and Islam often drew widespread condemnation, yet he remained a formidable force in French politics.

Le Pen’s political career reached its zenith in 2002 when he shocked the nation by advancing to the second round of the French presidential election, defeating Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin. Though he ultimately lost to Jacques Chirac, the event marked a turning point in French politics, highlighting the growing influence of far-right ideologies.

Despite his political successes, Le Pen’s later years were marred by internal family conflicts, particularly with his daughter Marine Le Pen, who succeeded him as leader of the National Front in 2011. Marine sought to distance the party from its extremist roots, a move that led to a public rift with her father. Jean-Marie Le Pen was eventually expelled from the party he founded in 2015 after making repeated controversial statements.

Le Pen’s death leaves behind a political dynasty that continues to shape French politics. His daughter Marine Le Pen, now leader of the RN, has emerged as a prominent figure in national elections, while his granddaughter Marion Maréchal-Le Pen has also carved out a political career, representing a more traditionalist wing of the far-right movement.

Reactions to Le Pen’s death have been mixed. Supporters have praised his role in bringing nationalist and anti-establishment views to the forefront of French politics, while critics have condemned his divisive rhetoric and controversial statements. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Le Pen’s impact on the political landscape but refrained from commenting on his legacy, stating only that “his death marks the end of an era.”

Jean-Marie Le Pen’s funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but his passing has reignited debates about his influence on French politics and the future of the far-right movement in France.