**Prosecutor Seeks Five-Year Prison Sentence for Marine Le Pen Over EU Funds Misuse**

The Paris prosecutor has called for Marine Le Pen, leader of France's far-right party, to receive a five-year prison term and a five-year prohibition from holding public office amid charges of embezzling European Union funds. This legal battle greets Le Pen and her 24 co-defendants nearly a decade after investigations began and a mere four years ahead of the critical 2027 presidential elections, where Le Pen is widely considered a strong contender.

In court on Wednesday, the prosecutor's office requested a fine of 300,000 euros ($316,860), coupled with a five-year prison sentence that includes a provision for provisional execution. If the court rules against her with this provisional execution, Le Pen would be barred from election participation even if she decides to appeal.

Le Pen, visibly unsatisfied with the prosecutor's demands, expressed her frustration to reporters outside the courthouse. "I note that the prosecution is being extremely outrageous in its demands, particularly with the request for provisional execution, which it wants to impose on everyone being prosecuted," she remarked.

Alongside Le Pen, the trial implicates the RN party itself—formerly known as the National Front—and 24 other individuals, including party officials, employees, former lawmakers, and parliamentary assistants. They stand accused of diverting European Parliament funds to pay staff working in France for their party.

Commenting on the prosecution’s approach, the European Parliament's lawyer, Patrick Maisonneuve, stated, "I am not surprised by the prosecution's request for provisional execution. There is a consistency in the prosecution's demands."

The trial will continue until November 27, potentially reshaping the political landscape as the 2027 elections draw nearer.