In a major legal development in Paris, the public prosecutor has called for Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right party, to face a five-year prison sentence and a simultaneous five-year ban on holding public office.

The trial, examining alleged misuse of European Union funds by Le Pen and 24 others, threatens to severely impact her political future and her party’s chances in the 2027 presidential election—a contest many speculate she could potentially win.

During Wednesday's court proceedings, the prosecutor also suggested a substantial fine of 300,000 euros.

Crucially, the prosecutor has asked for the immediate enforcement of the sentence, which means that if convicted, Le Pen would be prevented from running in any elections pending appeal—a move she condemned as "extremely outrageous."

This trial, stemming from investigations that began nearly ten years ago, focuses on claims that Le Pen and others misappropriated European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France under the guise of parliamentary assistants.

The trial is set to conclude on November 27, promising significant consequences for Le Pen and her party, formerly known as the National Front.