In an important legal case in Paris, the public prosecutor has recommended a five-year prison term along with a five-year ban on holding public office for Marine Le Pen, the leader of France's far-right party.

The trial examines the alleged misuse of European Union funds by Le Pen and 24 others, posing a threat to her political future and her party's chances in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election—a contest some believe she could win.

On Wednesday during the proceedings, the prosecutor also suggested a substantial fine of 300,000 euros.

Significantly, the prosecutor has asked for the sentence to be enforced immediately, meaning that if found guilty, Le Pen would be prohibited from running in any election while appealing—a move she criticized as "extremely outrageous."

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

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