French prosecutors demand Marine Le Pen be banned from elections for five years
Kyiv • UNN
French prosecutors are demanding that Marine Le Pen be banned from holding elected office for five years. This could block her participation in the 2027 presidential elections due to misuse of European Parliament funds.
In Paris, during a crucial appeal process, the state prosecution put forward strict demands against Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party. Prosecutors are insisting on a five-year ban from holding elected office, which could effectively block her participation in the 2027 presidential elections. This is reported by AP, writes UNN.
Details
The 57-year-old politician is trying to appeal a March 2025 verdict that found her guilty of misusing European Parliament funds. The investigation alleges that between 2004 and 2016, Le Pen headed a system of "siphoning off" EU public money to pay for the work of party assistants who did not actually perform duties in parliament.
Prosecutor Stéphane Madoz-Blanche called this mechanism a carefully concealed scheme where "public money was siphoned off drop by drop until it formed a river."
Some parliamentary assistants worked for the party but were paid by the European Parliament – that's a simple reality. The alleged misappropriation of public funds is a very serious violation of the principle of integrity.
Possible sentences and political future
In addition to a ban on running for office, the prosecution is demanding one year of house arrest with an electronic bracelet and a fine of 100,000 euros for Le Pen. The politician herself, who previously called the use of parliamentary funds for party needs a "mistake," told journalists that she does not expect "pleasant surprises" from the court. If the appellate instance upholds the verdict, Le Pen could face an even harsher punishment – up to 10 years in prison.
I never expect a pleasant surprise when I step into a courtroom. I don't decide. I don't hold the cards.
In the event of Le Pen's final disqualification, her 30-year-old protégé Jordan Bardella will become the main contender for the presidential candidate role from her political force. The court's verdict is expected by the summer of 2026.