Jean-Marie Le Pen, French far-right leader, dies aged 96
GuardianDEC 22 2024
French Right-Wing Leader Jean-Marie Le Pen Dies at 96
Above: Founder of France's right-wing political party National Front (FN), Jean-Marie Le Pen, honors Jeanne d'Arc, "The Maid of Orléans," during a speech on May 1, 2017, in Paris, France. Image copyright: Thierry Orban/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France's right-wing National Front party, now called National Rally (RN), died on Tuesday at a hospital at the age of 96 in Garches, France. His death was announced by his family.
Le Pen founded the National Front in 1972 and led it until 2011, when his daughter Marine took over leadership and later renamed it National Rally, transforming it into a major political force in France.
His most significant political achievement came in 2002, when he reached the presidential election runoff against Jacques Chirac, securing 17.8% of the votes in the final round, but ultimately losing.
The Spin
Left narrative
Jean-Marie Le Pen's legacy is marred by his racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic statements, most notably his description of the Holocaust as a "detail" of history. Although he's now passed, his ideas persist in his daughter's National Rally party, which, despite rebranding, still promotes anti-immigrant policies and has members known for Islamophobic rhetoric. Unfortunately, France will continue to have to fight this ideology for the foreseeable future.
Right narrative
Jean-Marie Le Pen resonated with millions by voicing concerns about immigration, cultural identity, and the out-of-touch political elite. While nothing excuses anti-Semitic remarks, his views on national preference and cultural preservation struck a chord. Ironically, the left today is tolerating similar speech from certain Muslim communities that would've gotten Le Pen in trouble. There is a dangerous double standard in French politics.
Narrative C
Le Pen was more complicated than either the establishment left or right portrayed him. His party included both Arabs and Jews, reflecting a nuanced stance on identity; he also supported Israeli security while opposing the US invasion of Iraq, showcasing a complex geopolitical view. Le Pen's deep love for France was evident in his eloquent defense of the French language, embodying a traditional, yet sophisticated, patriotism.
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