Jean-Marie Le Pen, the firebrand co-founder of the French far-right party formerly known as the National Front, has died aged 96, French media reported on Tuesday.

Le Pen spent his later years locked in a bitter public feud with his own daughter, and three-time failed presidential candidate, Marine Le Pen.

She succeeded him as the head of the National Front in 2011, before booting him out of his own party over comments he made downplaying the Holocaust.

The Elysee said President Emmanuel Macron sent his condolences to Le Pen's family.

In a brief statement, the Elysee added that "history will judge" his role in France's political life.

Le Pen rocked France's political establishment when he unexpectedly reached the presidential election runoff vote against Jacques Chirac in 2002.

A polarizing figure in French politics, Le Pen gained popularity with his fiery rhetoric against immigration and multiculturalism that saw him frequently accused of racism. His extreme stances attracted both staunch support and widespread condemnation.

His statements, including Holocaust denial, led to multiple convictions and put his political alliances under strain.

#france #lepen #farright


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