France’s Le Pen cancels meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti

BEIRUT, LEBANON: Marine Le Pen (R), the leader of France’s far-right Front National political party and French MP Gilbert Collard (L) meet with Lebanese President Michel Aoun (not seen) at the government palace in Beirut, Lebanon on 20 February 2017. [Ratib Al Safadi/Anadolu Agency]

Marine Le Pen, presidential candidate for France’s far-right National Front party, cancelled a meeting with Lebanon’s Grand Mufti today after refusing to wear a headscarf for the encounter.

“You can pass on my respects to the Grand Mufti, but I will not cover myself up,” Le Pen told reporters.

The press office for the Grand Mufti said that Le Pen’s aides had been informed beforehand of their requirement for her to wear head covering for the meeting.

Le Pen has been visiting Lebanon as she seeks to bolster her presidential credentials.

Opinion polls say Le Pen is likely to get the highest score in the first round of voting in April, but then lose to a mainstream candidate in the decisive second round vote in May.

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