Le Pen Jeered at European Parliament

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, April 25, 2002

Le Pen Jeered at European Parliament

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Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) heckled Jean-Marie Le Pen, as the French far- right politician came to address his first session on Wednesday since his stunning success in the first round of France's presidential election.

The chamber was barely one-third full for a scheduled debate on the Middle East situation, but the MEPs who were present jeered as Le Pen was called to speak for just two minutes.

MEPs held up banners declaring "Non," meaning "No" in English, as the French National Front leader began his speech. He got no further before Parliament President Pat Cox interrupted to urge members to be quiet and allow Le Pen the floor.

Le Pen's arrival in the Parliament provoked scuffles and shouts in the lobby. Meanwhile, large crowds of young demonstrators outside the Parliament Building shouted slogans against him.

He later had to cancel a news conference scheduled to be held at the European Parliament building, citing "provocation" from his political opponents.

Le Pen's visit to the Parliament came the day after he repeated his vow to hold a referendum to take France out of the European Union if he becomes the next president.

Le Pen, 73, stunned France and alarmed Europe by finishing second to incumbent conservative President Jacques Chirac with almost 17 percent of the vote in the first round of the election on Sunday. He is to run against Chirac in the second round in early May.

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