On Wednesday, November 13, the Paris prosecutor requested a five-year prison sentence for right-wing deputy Marine Le Pen in a case concerning fraud in the European Parliament. The prosecution demands Le Pen be found guilty of embezzling funds, including three years of a suspended sentence.
If the court grants this request, the de facto leader of the “National Rally” will be unable to participate in the 2027 French presidential election. Last week, during a court session, Le Pen expressed her intent to run for president for the fourth time, stating that a ban on her candidacy would leave “millions of French people without their candidate.”
Following the prosecution’s arguments, the defense will have the opportunity to present its case. The court’s decision is expected by the end of November, likely in early 2025. If convicted, Le Pen could appeal, though the prosecution insists on immediate enforcement of the sentence. The outcome will hinge on whether a new trial takes place before or after the 2027 election.
Marine Le Pen, her party “National Rally,” and 24 other individuals, including current and former French lawmakers and MEPs, are accused of illegally using European Parliament funds to pay parliamentary assistants from 2004 to 2016.
