Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France's main far-right party, is being laid to rest in a private family ceremony in his hometown of La Trinité-sur-Mer in Brittany. His passing at the age of 96 has reignited debates over his divisive legacy.
Born in 1928 in Brittany, Le Pen served in the military, fighting in Indochina and Algeria. He was first elected as a lawmaker in the French National Assembly in 1956 and later founded the National Front in 1972, advocating for an anti-immigration, nationalist platform.
Despite his controversial remarks, including minimizing the Holocaust, Le Pen gained political traction. In 2002, he shocked the nation by qualifying for the second round of the presidential election, ultimately losing to Jacques Chirac.
His daughter, Marine Le Pen, succeeded him as the leader of the National Front in 2011, aiming to steer the party away from its racist and antisemitic image. Under her leadership, the party rebranded as the National Rally in 2018.
Marine Le Pen has twice run for president, reaching the second round in 2017 and 2022. In the most recent election, she garnered 41.5% of the vote, solidifying her position as a prominent political figure in France.
Despite her electoral success, Le Pen faces legal challenges. In 2024, she and other party officials stood trial for alleged misuse of European Union funds. A verdict is expected in March, with potential consequences including a prison sentence and a ban on holding political office.
The National Rally has emerged as a significant opposition force in the French National Assembly, winning over 120 seats in surprise legislative elections. Marine Le Pen's political influence continues to grow, with her recent election as a member of the National Assembly further cementing her position in French politics.
As France reflects on the legacy of Jean-Marie Le Pen, his impact on the country's political landscape remains a subject of debate, with his daughter poised to carry on his controversial yet influential legacy.
