French government denounces street parties celebrating Jean-Marie Le Pen death
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
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