Far-Right Leader Jean-Marie Le Pen Dies at 96

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of France's far-right National Front and a polarizing figure in French politics, died at the age of 96. Known for his inflammatory rhetoric on immigration and controversial views including Holocaust denial, Le Pen significantly shaped the discourse on nationalism in France. His daughter, Marine Le Pen, distanced herself from his extremist legacy, rebranding the party as the National Rally and leading it to prominence in French politics. Jordan Bardella, current party president, acknowledged Le Pen's contributions while also reflecting on his controversial past. Le Pen's death occurs amidst Marine Le Pen's legal challenges, potentially impacting her political future. His legacy remains divisive, embodying decades of far-right politics in France.