Jean-Marie Le Pen
Jean-Marie Le Pen: A Life of Controversy and Politics
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Jean-Marie Le Pen is the full name of the French politician, often referred to by his nickname "Le Pen" in media reports.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 20, 1928, Jean-Marie Le Pen passed away on July 9, 2022.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Jean-Marie Le Pen was a French politician, leader of the far-right National Front party (FN), and a member of the European Parliament.
Early Life
Le Pen was born in an apartment above his family's pharmacy in Saint-Étienne-de-Tulle, Dordogne. His father, Jean-Marie Le Pen Sr., was a World War I veteran who later became a successful businessman and politician. Growing up in a conservative Catholic household, Le Pen developed early interests in history and politics.
Early Career
Le Pen studied law at the University of Aix-en-Provence before joining the French Foreign Legion, where he served from 1946 to 1953. During his time in the legion, he was involved in several battles and rose through the ranks. After leaving the legion, Le Pen worked as a lawyer and politician, eventually becoming mayor of Saint-Étienne-de-Tulle.
Major Accomplishments
Le Pen's most notable achievement was leading the National Front party to significant electoral successes. He first gained national attention by winning a seat in the European Parliament in 1973. In 1984, Le Pen led the FN to victory in several regional elections and later became a member of the French National Assembly.
Notable Works or Actions
Le Pen's views on politics and society were often provocative and divisive. He advocated for stricter immigration laws, anti-terrorism measures, and increased nationalism within France. His stance on issues like the European Union and globalization was consistently critical. Some of his most notable quotes include:
"France is a country that has been overwhelmed by immigrants."
"The Jews are responsible for the deaths of two million French people."
These statements sparked controversy worldwide and led to criticism from both within and outside France.
Impact and Legacy
Le Pen's impact on French politics was significant, but his legacy remains complex. His policies influenced many right-wing politicians across Europe, including Marine Le Pen, his daughter who took over as leader of the FN in 2011. Le Pen's views also helped shape mainstream discourse around issues like immigration and national identity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Le Pen is often quoted for his polarizing statements on politics and society. His extreme nationalist views resonated with some, but were vehemently opposed by others. Despite facing numerous controversies throughout his career, Le Pen remained a prominent figure in French politics until his death.
Through his long and tumultuous career, Jean-Marie Le Pen left an indelible mark on French politics, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to shape the country's discourse today.
Quotes by Jean-Marie Le Pen
There must be an authority, and we believe that the most qualified authority in a household is the man’s.
What’s surprising is that the people who fought against torture here are the communists.
After all, you’re not exactly a nation like all the other nations. You are unique, if only because you are such an ancient people, and because of the way you are spread all over the world and your obvious success in many fields.
When two drivers curse each other on the road, and one of them happens to be a Jew, you can’t define that as anti-Semitism.
In recent years – before the intifada – there were three or four incidents of anti-Semitism a year, and that’s out of 18 million crimes and violations of the law.
Marine Le Pen may want me dead, that’s possible, but she must not count on my co-operation.