Jean-Marie Le Pen: Funeral Between Reflection and Controversy

Jean-Marie Le Pen, founder of the National Front (now the National Rally), passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the age of 96. This Saturday, January 11, his family and close friends gathered for his funeral in his hometown of La Trinité-sur-Mer, in the Morbihan region of France.

A Ceremony Under Tight Security

Marine Le Pen, her sisters Marie-Caroline and Yann, and around 200 attendees participated in the ceremony held at the small Saint-Joseph Church, a short distance from the family home. The coffin was later interred in the family vault, where the parents of the former far-right leader also rest.

The event took place under tight security, with a hundred police officers deployed to prevent any disruptions. The local prefecture had issued a decree banning demonstrations, fearing clashes between supporters and opponents of the controversial political figure, whose legacy continues to provoke strong reactions.

A Public Tribute Scheduled in Paris

A second religious and commemorative ceremony is planned for Thursday, January 16, at 11 a.m. at the Notre-Dame-du-Val-de-Grâce Church in Paris, under the jurisdiction of the French Armed Forces Diocese. This service, open to the public, was organized by his daughters Marine, Marie-Caroline, and Yann. Louis Aliot, vice-president of the National Rally, emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful atmosphere, despite celebratory gatherings in cities like Paris and Lyon on Tuesday evening, where some marked Le Pen’s death with chants, fireworks, and flares.

A Controversial Political Legacy

Jean-Marie Le Pen leaves behind a significant and divisive mark on French political history. A provocative orator and a figure of controversy, he founded the National Front in 1972 and was instrumental in bringing the far-right out of the political margins. However, his career was also punctuated by convictions for statements about World War II, homophobic slurs, and allegations tied to his military service in Indochina and Algeria.

His political influence peaked in 2002 when he advanced to the second round of the French presidential election, ultimately losing to Jacques Chirac. Today, the funeral of this polarizing figure serves as a reminder of how his legacy continues to spark debate and division in France.