French prosecutors seek election ban for Le Pen

However, the prosecution did not demand the immediate application of the penalty.

Nonetheless, if the court complies with the demand, a candidacy for next year's presidential election would be extremely difficult for Le Pen. 

The trial in Paris revolves around the allegation of embezzlement of funds. 

Between 2004 and 2016, Le Pen's party is said to have received money for parliamentary assistants in the European Parliament, who, at least in part, worked for the then National Front party, which has since been renamed National Rally.  

Le Pen denied responsibility for this in court. 

Le Pen professionalised system, the prosecution says 

The prosecution considers it proven that the assistants paid by the parliament actually worked for the party.

There was fraudulent conduct to finance the party and a system intended to embezzle public funds, it said. 

Although the prosecution does not see Le Pen as the inventor of this approach, they assert that the right-wing populist played a central role and further professionalised the system.  

It is not difficult to understand that the European Parliament's funds are not intended for party financing, the prosecution stated in their plea on Tuesday, which lasted hours. They also pointed out that Le Pen is herself a lawyer. 

For the far-right leader, the case is primarily about whether she will be able to run in the upcoming presidential election.  

In the first instance, the court had immediately revoked her passive voting rights for five years. 

Passive voting rights refer to the eligibility to be elected to public office, as opposed to active voting rights, which refer to the right to vote in elections. 

If the appeals court confirms this penalty, Le Pen could not make another bid for the Élysée Palace in the presidential election expected to take place in April 2027. 

However, the prosecution has now requested that the five-year ban on running for public office not be applied immediately.

In this case, a candidacy would theoretically be possible for Le Pen, provided one of the two sides appeals, which is expected. 

The verdict would then not yet be legally binding, and the penalty would not be applied for the time being.  

However, a candidacy would be a significant risk for Le Pen, as the Court of Cassation could confirm the verdict before the election, making the revocation of passive voting rights legally binding. 

Le Pen was also sentenced in the first instance to a four-year prison term, two of which were suspended.  

The prosecution is now also demanding four years in prison, but with three years suspended.  

Alongside Le Pen, 11 other defendants and her party are appealing in court.  

The proceedings are scheduled until the middle of next week. A verdict is expected at a later date. 

Australian Associated Press