Jean-Marie Le Pen, a prominent figure in French far-right politics and finalist in the 2002 presidential election, died on Tuesday at the age of 96 in a medical facility in the Paris region, where he had been admitted several weeks earlier, according to AP.
“Jean-Marie Le Pen, surrounded by his family, died this Tuesday at noon (11:00 GMT),” his family told AFP.
The founder of the National Front, now the National Rally, had gradually withdrawn from political life since 2011 when his daughter, Marine Le Pen, took over the party’s presidency.
A renowned and controversial public speaker, estranged from his family, Jean-Marie Le Pen played a pivotal role in mainstreaming France’s far-right politics. His most iconic success came in 2002 when, at the age of 73 and in his fourth presidential bid, he advanced to the second round of the election, leaving the nation stunned.
This triumph, however, came at a cost: for two weeks, millions protested against racism. Le Pen’s candidacy ultimately secured an easy re-election for his long-time opponent, Jacques Chirac.
His thoughts and stance centered on curbing immigration, stressing national identity, and promoting economic protectionism. While his supporters commended him for giving voice to voters who felt marginalized by traditional political parties and for his strong stance on law and order, his critics accused him of perpetuating xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism.
Le Pen’s agenda also advocated for France’s withdrawal from further integration within the European Union and a return to economic sovereignty, which resonated with those wary of globalization but alienated pro-European factions.
He remained unapologetic for his repeated controversial statements, which earned him several legal convictions—from referring to the Holocaust gas chambers as a “detail of history” to comments about the “racial inequality” (1996) and labeling the German Occupation as being “not particularly inhumane” (2005).
“Having served in the French army in Indochina and Algeria, a people’s tribune in the National Assembly and the European Parliament, he always served France, defending its identity and sovereignty,” said Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally in a post on “X” (former tweeter).
On the other hand, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France’s far-left, said, “Respect for the dignity of the dead and the grief of their loved ones does not erase the right to judge their actions. Jean-Marie Le Pen’s deeds remain intolerable. The fight against the man is over, but the battle against the hate, racism, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism he spread continues.”
Le Pen maintained a unique relationship with Morocco, which he visited on several occasions. He was known to praise the country’s cultural heritage and political stability under the monarchy. His stance on the Moroccan Sahara aligned with the nation’s position, as he openly supported Morocco’s territorial integrity over the region.
During his presidency of the National Front, he criticized Algeria and highlighted the close ties between France and Morocco. Le Pen also advocated for policies to strengthen France’s cooperation with Morocco in security and economic matters, positioning the Kingdom as a strategic partner for France in North Africa.