US white supremacist David Duke praises France's Le Pen

American white supremacist David Duke praises France’s far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, extolling her political prowess and controversial father.

“Her father is a great man, a true patriot. He raised a strong & intelligent woman who understands how to play 21st century politics,” Duke says on Twitter, responding to a question about his views on Le Pen.

France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen (C) reacts upon being handed a headscarf ahead of her meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, in the capital Beirut on February 21, 2017. (AFP Photo/Anwar Amro) — France’s far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen (C) reacts upon being handed a headscarf ahead of her meeting with Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, in the capital Beirut on February 21, 2017. (AFP Photo/Anwar Amro)

Jean-Marie Le Pen, 88, is the founder of France’s far-right National Front party, a five-time presidential candidate who has had multiple convictions for inciting racial hatred and denying crimes against humanity.

Marine Le Pen took over leadership of the party in 2011 and has softened some of its views, increasing its appeal to a broader spectrum of voters.

— AP