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Jean-Marie Le Pen Dies at 96; Macron's Office Says 'History Will Judge'

Jan 7, 2025, 06:50 PM

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France's far-right National Front party, has died at the age of 96. His daughter, Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, reportedly learned of her father's death during an airplane stopover in Kenya after visiting Mayotte. The Élysée Palace commented that "history will judge" Jean-Marie Le Pen. Robert Ménard, mayor of Béziers, remarked that Le Pen was "a great orator" who "drew attention to a number of issues," but also held "an ideology just unbearable." Marion Maréchal, Le Pen's granddaughter, paid tribute by vowing not to abandon "the mission" he had entrusted to her. In several cities, including Paris and Lyon, gatherings took place where opponents celebrated his death, prompting political figures like Bruno Retailleau to condemn these "shameful scenes."