**Paris Prosecutor Seeks Prison Sentence and Political Ban for Marine Le Pen**

A Paris prosecutor has called for a five-year prison sentence and a ban from public office for Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, amidst accusations of embezzling European Union funds. The trial, which began nearly ten years after the initial investigations, poses a significant challenge to Le Pen’s political future, especially as she eyes the 2027 presidential election.

On Wednesday, the prosecutor requested that Le Pen receive a €300,000 fine, a five-year prison term, and an immediate ban on running for public office, which would hold even if she decides to appeal the verdict. Such a ruling could drastically affect her ability to participate in upcoming elections.

The case, which includes 24 other defendants comprised of party officials, employees, former lawmakers, and parliamentary assistants, focuses on allegations that funds from the European Parliament were used to pay party staff in France during the period when RN was known as the National Front. Prosecutors argue that these funds were misappropriated to pay staff who were actually working for the party outside of their parliamentary roles.

As the trial continues until November 27, the anticipation builds for the judges' verdict, expected to be delivered in early 2025. During her trial, Le Pen has consistently proclaimed her innocence, stating, "I have absolutely no sense of having committed the slightest irregularity, or the slightest illegal act." However, her vague responses regarding how she selected her parliamentary aides and their specific duties have done little to clarify the accusations.

Prosecutor Nicolas Barret emphasized in court that "the law applies to all," and stressed that the proposed ban is aimed at preventing the defendants from participating in future local or national elections. Barret also argued for partial release of Le Pen after serving a minimum of two years of her sentence, suggesting a "convertible" custodial arrangement.

The alleged misuse of funds, which came to light in 2015, supposedly covered contracts from 2004 to 2016. The European Parliament has claimed to have lost €3 million due to the scheme, of which RN has reimbursed €1 million while not conceding any guilt.

Le Pen has framed the prosecutor’s actions as an attempt to disenfranchise French voters. The outcome of this trial could carry significant implications not only for her political career but also for the RN party's standing in future elections.