The former president of the National Front Jean-Marie Le Pen, who put the far right at the heart of French politics, died this Tuesday, January 7 at the age of 96.
He brought the French far-right into the second round of the presidential election. Even more, he put this political trend at the heart of French politics, breaking taboos and shattering conventions even if it meant dividing society. Jean-Marie Le Pen, the former president of the National Front (FN), died this Tuesday, January 7 at the age of 96, his family announced to AFP.
Born on June 20, 1928, he got involved in politics very early, becoming a young deputy for the Seine (the Paris department) in 1956, under the label of Pierre Poujade’s movement. Already a populist, he stands out for his communication skills and his political ability. He took over as president of the FN when it was created for the 1973 legislative elections by the far-right New Order movement. Over the decades, the party grew and, through controversies and media provocations, gained electoral ground. To the point of making history, on April 21, 2002, when Jean-Marie Le Pen qualified for the second round of the presidential election ahead of the socialist Lionel Jospin.
He was then beaten by Jacques Chirac and only received 17.79% of the votes. But this milestone will allow his daughter, Marine Le Pen, to achieve other victories, qualifying twice for the second round of the presidential election. Despite strong tensions with his daughter, who is beginning a strategy of demonizing the National Front, he remains president…
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