Le Pen's appeal trial: Prosecution argues embezzlement was 'directed by the party head'

Marine Le Pen, during her appeal trial for embezzlement over suspected fake jobs at the European Parliament, at a Paris appeals court, on February 3, 2026. SERGIO AQUINDO FOR LE MONDE

The prosecution's closing argument pulled no punches, but the sentences requested on Tuesday, February 3, at Marine Le Pen's appeal trial for embezzlement over suspected fake jobs at the European Parliament, were a little lighter than those handed down by the court after the initial trial, on March 31, 2025. The two prosecutors making the case refrained from requesting that the court's sentences be immediately enforced even if appealed, except in special cases. Additionally, all of the requested prison sentences could be served under house arrest, with an electronic monitoring tag.

For Le Pen, the prosecution requested a four-year prison sentence, with three suspended (compared with just two years suspended, in the initial ruling), a €100,000 fine, and a five-year ban on running for public office. The appeals court, which is expected to deliver its decision "before the summer," is under no obligation to follow the prosecution's request. While the court has seemed all but certain to convict Le Pen, the exact sentence will be crucial in determining her future.