With a deadline coming up for the European Parliament's newly elected far-right members to form a coalition, a damaging controversy erupted last week over the anti-Semitic pun Jean-Marie Le Pen posted on his party's website. He is the founder of the Front National (FN), the far-right political party, now headed by his daughter, Marine Le Pen. Known for her efforts to sanitize the party of its racist and fascist image, she led the party to victory in the European Parliament elections last month. The FN came out with a higher vote total than any other party in France.
With time running out and few partners willing to join her political group, Marine Le Pen was bogged down in a public feud with her father, over his remark.
The Guardian summed it up, and included its explanation of the offensive words.
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"Le Pen has unmasked the true face of the far-right of Europe days after their electoral successes in the European parliament. While some have tried to whitewash and mainstream these parties, Le Pen's comments demonstrate that they still stand on foundations of hatred, antisemitism and xenophobia." |
As this short clip in English from France 24 explains, sanitizing the FN goes only so far as long as Jean-Marie Le Pen keeps reminding the public about his party's founding principles. His presence in the party allows the FN to present two images to the public. While Marine firmly denies racism and bigotry, her father spouts objectionable comments now and then to remind party members what the FN is really about. It's time for the French to face this squarely if they hope to retain their character.
The controversy played out just as it was becoming clearer that Marine Le Pen would not be able to form the coalition she confidently announced two weeks earlier. Le Pen’s group still lacks delegations from 7 countries as required for the Parliament’s recognition. Several parties of the right and far right announced their intention to steer clear of the FN.
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