French Prosecutor seeks Jail, Election Ban for Le Pen

French prosecutors have called for a five-year prison sentence, with three years suspended, and a €300,000 fine against Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party.

The charges stem from allegations of illegal use of parliamentary assistants, raising significant legal and political implications for the prominent far-right figure.

In addition to the jail term and fine, prosecutors have requested a five-year ban on Le Pen running for public office.

If approved, this measure would immediately impact her ability to participate in the 2027 presidential elections, a setback for her political ambitions.

This judicial action targets Le Pen and other figures within the National Rally. Among them, Louis Aliot, mayor of Perpignan, faces an 18-month prison sentence, 12 months suspended, a €30,000 fine, and a three-year ban on candidacy.

Similarly, Julien Odoul, a member of parliament, could face a 10-month suspended sentence, a €20,000 fine, and a one-year ineligibility to run for office.

European Parliament member Nicolas Bay is also implicated. Prosecutors are seeking an 18-month sentence, 12 of which are suspended, a €30,000 fine, and a three-year ban from elections.

Bruno Gollnisch, a senior party figure, faces the most severe punishment after Le Pen: a three-year prison sentence, two of which are suspended, a €200,000 fine, and a five-year ban from running for office.