Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France’s far-right National Front party and a polarizing figure in European politics, has died at 96 after prolonged health issues, his family confirmed.
Born in 1928 in La Trinité-sur-Mer, Le Pen launched his political career in 1956 as a member of parliament. His pivotal moment came in 1972 when he established the National Front, promoting anti-immigrant and nationalist ideologies.
Le Pen’s political peak occurred in 2002 when he advanced to the second round of the French presidential election, ultimately losing to Jacques Chirac. His career was marked by controversy, including lawsuits over his Holocaust remarks, which drew widespread criticism.
After stepping down in 2011, Le Pen handed party leadership to his daughter Marine Le Pen. He was expelled from the party in 2015, retreating from the political scene.