The grave of the creator and longtime leader of the National Front Jean-Marie Le Pena, located in the Breton town of La Trinité-sur-Mer (Morbihan), where the politician was born, was severely damaged.
According to Philippe Olivier, advisor to Marine Le Pen and her sister Marie-Caroline's husband, vandals utilized a “stick-like tool” to destruct a Celtic cross adorning the tomb. The gravestone was besides damaged, but, as sources say, no inscriptions or symbols left by the perpetrators were found. The territory Attorney's Office in Lorient initiated an investigation into "the insult of a grave, a memorial or urn dedicated to the memory of the dead".
Family members and Le Pen's political allies powerfully condemned the incident. Marion Maréchal, the granddaughter of the deceased, called the vandalism act on platform X "infami", announcing:
"Your attempts to break our hearts will only strengthen our conflict from generation to generation."
Île-de-France's oldest daughter, Marie-Caroline Le Pen, added:
"Those who attack the dead are capable of the worst actions against the living."
RN president Jordan Bardella described the profanation as a "unforgivable act", demanding severe punishment for perpetrators. Gilles Pennelle, RN MEP, stressed:
‘W Brittany's respect for the dead was sacred. Turns out not for everyone. Cowardice has met with wickedness."
Home Minister Bruno Retaileau spoke of "absolute repugnant", and Mr Perpignan Louis Aliot (Vice-President of the RN) announced, "We will find the perpetrators."
Investigations and reactions of residents
The cemetery was temporarily closed to let the gendarmerie to gather evidence. By noon, the area was again made available to residents, who, as reported by a BFMTV journalist, had arrived many times to see the grave covered with a military tarpaulin. Among them were those who prayed in silence.
Mer La Trinité-sur-Mer, Yves Normand, refused to comment, stressing that “investigation is underway”. Jean-Marie Le Pen, who died on 7 January at the age of 95, was buried in his hometown on 11 January during a private ceremony under the supervision of the servants.
Meanwhile, the Le Pen household and RN supporters announce that “they will not let themselves be intimidated”.
