1 day Ago By RFI
French officials have condemned jubilant street celebrations following the death of far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, urging dignity after hundreds gathered in major cities to mark Tuesday’s passing of the controversial National Front founder. The government struck a measured tone in response to the death of Le Pen, who was expelled from his own party after repeatedly denying the Holocaust – with Prime Minister François Bayrou describing him as a “fighter” and a “figure of French political life”. Impromptu parties that broke out in several cities quickly drew sharp criticism.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing justifies dancing on a corpse," said Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. "The death of a man, even if he is a political opponent, should inspire only restraint and dignity. These scenes of jubilation are deeply disgraceful.
” Scenes in Paris, Lyon, Marseille In the French capital, several hundred demonstrators converged on Place de la République , with some climbing the square's central statue and chanting anti-fascist slogans and lighting smoke bombs. One placard in the crowd read: “That filthy racist is dead.” Around 200 to 300 gathered in Lyon , reportedly at the invitation of extreme-left groups, where fireworks were set off, while in Marseille protesters displayed signs reading "Finally" as they opened bottles of champagne.
Read more on RFI English Read also: Jean-Marie Le Pen declared 'unfit' to stand trial over misuse of EU funds French court condemns Jean-Marie Le Pen for anti-gay remarks National Rally marks 50th anniversary with symposium on far-right 'victories'.
