Janice R. Andrews
Paris, Crowds gathered at Place de la République in Paris to celebrate the death of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of the far-right National Rally party. Le Pen, a controversial nationalist figure in French politics, passed away earlier on Tuesday at the age of 96.
Demonstrators took to the streets shortly after the announcement, holding banners and chanting slogans against his divisive legacy. Many viewed his death as the symbolic end of an era defined by his controversial and polarizing rhetoric, often criticized as xenophobic and inflammatory.
As a prominent figure in French politics, Le Pen led the National Rally, formerly known as the National Front, for decades, shaping the far-right political landscape. Although he stepped down as leader in 2011, his influence persisted in political discussions for years.
The celebration in Paris mirrored similar gatherings across the country, highlighting the polarizing effect of his political career. Videos recorded at 7:00 PM local time show demonstrators cheering and lighting flares in the square.
Le Pen’s passing has sparked a wave of reactions, reflecting the profound and divisive impact of his decades-long political career on French society.
