Chinese university buys Le Pen HQ

The Front National is to sell its party headquarters in Hauts-de-Seine, Paris to a Chinese university.

Party leader Jean-Marie Le Pen confirmed a ‘promise of sale note’ had been signed with notaires but the actual sale had not yet taken place.

While the party has not commented on how much money was raised by the sale, the value of the building is estimated at €12-15million.

The sale of the building, which has housed the far-right party since 1994, will help pay off the €8million debt owed by the party.

After failing to reach 5% support in the 2007 elections it did not receive state finances, plunging it into debt.

In May this year Jean-Marie Le Pen sold his amoured car on eBay for €20,000.

The administrative director of the Front National Jean-Michel Dubois, who is in charge of the sale, said: “From the moment the buyer shows a good reputation and finances, their nationality is of little importance.”

He added the party had examined five serious offers including some from French companies – but they had been too low.

Photo:Manu le Manu