Thu Nov 14 06:41:02 UTC 2024: ## Le Pen Faces Five-Year Prison Sentence, Ban from Office in EU Funds Misuse Case
**Paris, France –** French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is facing a five-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from holding public office, following a prosecution request on Wednesday in a trial concerning alleged embezzlement of European Union funds. The Paris prosecutor also requested a €300,000 fine against Le Pen and 24 others accused of misusing European Parliament funds to pay staff working for her National Rally party (formerly the National Front) in France. The prosecution’s request includes “provisional execution,” meaning Le Pen would be barred from running in elections even if she appeals a guilty verdict.
Le Pen, who vehemently denies the charges, described the prosecution’s demands as “outrageous,” particularly the request for provisional execution. The trial, which began on November 13th and is expected to conclude on November 27th, stems from investigations launched nearly a decade ago. The case poses a significant threat to Le Pen’s political ambitions, particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election, which many believe she could win. A lawyer for the European Parliament stated that the prosecution’s request for provisional execution was consistent with their approach in the case. The trial continues.
First Piper 