In a major legal development in Paris, the public prosecutor has recommended a five-year prison term and a concurrent five-year ban from public office for Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right faction.

The trial, which examines alleged misuse of European Union funds by Le Pen and 24 associates, could have a significant impact on her political career and her party's chances in the upcoming 2027 presidential election—a contest many believe she might win.

During Wednesday’s court proceedings, the prosecutor also suggested a substantial fine of 300,000 euros.

Notably, the prosecutor requested that the sentence be enforced provisionally, meaning that if convicted, Le Pen would be disqualified from participating in any election pending an appeal—a decision she condemned as "extremely outrageous."

This trial, originating from investigations that began nearly a decade ago, focuses on accusations that Le Pen and others misappropriated European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France under the pretense of parliamentary assistants.

The trial is scheduled to conclude on November 27, with significant consequences anticipated for Le Pen and her party, formerly known as the National Front.