The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen, a prominent figure of the far-right in France, sparked celebrations in multiple French cities on Monday evening. Hundreds of his opponents gathered to mark the passing of the controversial politician with songs, smoke bombs, and fireworks.
In Paris, protesters assembled at the Place de la République with banners reading, “The filthy racist is dead.” Flags from the far-left New Anti-Capitalist Party were prominently displayed. Some climbed the central statue, while others chanted anti-fascist slogans, emphasizing that younger generations have little interest in Le Pen’s National Front party.
Similar gatherings took place in Lyon, where 200 to 300 people responded to calls from far-left groups. Fireworks were set off in both cities, and celebratory gatherings were also reported in Marseille, where a calmer atmosphere prevailed. Signs with slogans like “Finally” were displayed, and some attendees popped champagne bottles.
One demonstrator in Marseille told AFP:
“This is the death of a man we despise. He was racist, misogynistic, a Holocaust denier, and an anti-Semite. It’s important to celebrate when such hateful figures are no longer among us.”
Jean-Marie Le Pen’s Controversial Legacy
Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, passed away earlier that day at a medical facility near Paris. As the founder of the National Front, later renamed the National Rally under the leadership of his daughter Marine Le Pen, he became a polarizing figure in French politics.
In 2002, Le Pen shocked the nation by advancing to the second round of the presidential elections, triggering massive protests. He ultimately lost to the center-right candidate Jacques Chirac. His repeated anti-Semitic remarks, including calling Nazi gas chambers “a mere detail of World War II,” led to his expulsion from the party by his daughter Marine in 2015.
Le Pen’s political stances included opposition to the European Union, advocating for French traditionalism, restricting immigration, increasing defense spending, censorship of cultural works, and reinstating the death penalty.
His divisive remarks and policies left a lasting mark on French politics, with his death igniting both reflection and celebration.
