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Jean-Marie Le PenFormer leader of the French National Front
Date of Birth: 20.06.1928
Country:  France |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Service and Political Career
- Business and Politics
- Europarliamentary Career
Early Life and Education
Jean-Marie Le Pen was born in 1928 in the small town of La Trinité-sur-Mer, France. His parents were farmers. Le Pen earned a law degree and a degree in political science.
Military Service and Political Career
In 1954, Le Pen served as an officer in the 1st Foreign Parachute Battalion in Indochina, where he fought against the communist regime in Vietnam. Two years later, he was elected to the French National Assembly, becoming the youngest deputy at the age of 27.
Le Pen then joined the 1st Parachute Regiment in Algeria. During the Algerian War, he was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery. He was elected to the Paris City Council for four years and ran for president of France in 1965.
Business and Politics
Le Pen was a successful entrepreneur and patron of the arts, owning recording studios and publishing houses. In 1972, he founded the National Front of France and became its leader.
Europarliamentary Career
Le Pen has been elected to the European Parliament for fifteen consecutive years. He leads the European Identity and Democracy Group, a bloc of right-wing parties from France, Belgium, and Italy. The National Front consistently receives over 15% of the French vote in elections at all levels.
