Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France’s far-right National Front party, has died at the age of 96. According to the Elysee Palace, President Emmanuel Macron sent his condolences to Le Pen’s family and stated that “history will judge” his role in French politics.
Le Pen was a polarizing figure who gained popularity with his anti-immigration message and gained notoriety for denying the Holocaust. He made Islam and Muslim immigrants his main target, blaming them for France’s economic and social problems. A former paratrooper and Foreign Legionnaire, Le Pen fought in Indochina and Algeria.
Le Pen’s daughter, Marine, succeeded him as leader and rebranded the party to widen its appeal. She ran for president three times but was expelled from the party in 2015 due to antisemitism allegations. This came at a time when Le Pen faces potential ban on running for office and a possible prison term if convicted in an ongoing embezzlement trial.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/french-far-rights-former-leader-jean-marie-le-pen-dies/a-71237977