Le Pen's replacement steps down after allegedly casting doubt on Nazi gas chambers

FN says Jean-Franiois Jalkh, only named acting president this week, is preparing legal action over comments reportedly made 17 years ago

Marine Le Pen's replacement as acting leader of Front National during the final days of her French presidential campaign has stepped down to prepare his legal action over allegations about past statements he made apparently questioning the existence of Nazi gas chambers.

Jean-Franiois Jalkh, who was named interim president of the far-right party after Le Pen's decision to stand aside, reportedly told an academic in an interview in 2000: "I believe we should be able to discuss this issue [of gas chambers]."