⚖️🇪🇺 Prosecutors seek five-year ban on Marine Le Pen amid EU funds misuse appeal

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French prosecutors have requested a five-year ban on Marine Le Pen from public office due to her conviction for misappropriating EU funds. They also seek a four-year prison sentence, with one year under electronic monitoring. The court's decision, expected by summer 2026, could impact her ability to run in the 2027 presidential election. Le Pen's defense claims she acted in good faith, while prosecutors argue she was the instigator of a fraudulent scheme. The lack of immediate enforcement of the ban may allow her to remain a candidate, complicating her political future.

Key points

• Prosecutors request a five-year ban on Le Pen from public office due to EU funds misuse.
• A four-year prison sentence is also sought, with one year to be served under electronic monitoring.
• The court's decision on the appeal is expected by summer 2026, impacting Le Pen's 2027 presidential candidacy.
• Le Pen's defense claims lack of knowledge and good faith in her actions regarding the alleged fraud.

Links

• Expresso: Pedidos cinco anos de inibição do exercício de cargos públicos para Marine Le Pen, mas sem aplicação imediata
• Politico: Prosecutors seek to uphold 5-year electoral ban on Marine Le Pen
• RFI: French prosecutors stick to demand for five-year ban for Le Pen
• El País: La Fiscalía francesa pide inhabilitar cinco años a Marine Le Pen, pero deja la puerta abierta para que pueda ser candidata
• BFMTV: Marine Le Pen: Manuel Bompard estime que l'exécution provisoire doit être "réduite à des cas particuliers",...

Facts

• Le Pen was convicted in March 2025 for diverting EU funds, resulting in a five-year public office ban.
• Prosecutors are seeking a four-year prison sentence, with one year to be served under electronic monitoring.
• The court's decision on the appeal is expected by summer 2026.
• Le Pen's party, the National Rally, is currently leading in polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Quotes

• Being an elected official does not represent a shield against the law, but rather an increased responsibility — Thierry Ramonatxo
• If I committed a crime, I did not feel that I had committed one — Marine Le Pen

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