Le Pen announces retirement in 2010

Front National leader Jean-Marie Le Pen has announced he will retire from the position in 2010.

"I have already passed the legal age of retirement by twenty years. Nothing is over but I will change my role," said the 80-year-old Le Pen who has led the party for 38 years.

Three people are in line to take over the leadership role; Bruno Gollnisch, Carl Lang and his daughter Marine Le Pen.

A survey of Front National supporters found 76% preferred Marine Le Pen as the next leader.

Jean Marie Le Pen said: "We are, Bruno Gollnisch and myself, from a generation who have lived through a number of events and have a view of things which sometimes is not that of younger generations.

"Marine is closer to the preoccupations of people. She is a young mother and I'm a grandfather."

Gollnish said that Jean-Marie Le Pen should adopt a more neutral position rather than presenting his daughter as the future of the party.

Photo:Manu le Manu