French prosecutor calls for jail term for Marine Le Pen

The Paris prosecutor called for a five-year prison term and a five-year ban from holding public office for far-right leader Marine Le Pen, in a trial where she and 24 others face charges of embezzling European Union funds.

This trial, which follows nearly a decade of investigations, could jeopardise her party’s efforts to rebrand itself ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where many see her as a strong contender.

The prosecutor also requested a €300,000 fine and the immediate enforcement of the sentences, meaning Le Pen would be barred from running in elections even if she appeals the verdict.

Le Pen criticised the prosecution’s demands, calling them “extremely outrageous,” particularly the call for provisional execution, which would apply to all defendants in the case.

via Reuters