Prosecutors Seek Jail and 5-Year Office Ban for Marine Le Pen in Funding Case

The Paris prosecutor has requested a five-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from political office for Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right National Rally party, over allegations of illegal party funding. Le Pen and 24 others are accused of misusing EU parliamentary funds to pay party workers. The proposed ban would take effect immediately, even if appealed, potentially barring Le Pen from the 2027 presidential race. Le Pen denies the charges, calling the prosecution's actions an attempt to undermine her party and restrict voter choice.