French far-right leader Marine Le Pen strongly denied committing any wrongdoing at a Paris court Monday as she and her National Rally party stand trial over the suspected embezzlement of European Parliament funds.
The nine-week trial is a critical juncture for Le Pen, expected to be a strong contender in France's next presidential election in 2027. A guilty verdict could significantly affect her political career and aspirations.
Le Pen appeared self-confident and determined in court, stating in a loud voice "I'm telling you very clearly I absolutely don't feel I have committed the slightest irregularity, the slightest illegal move."
The National Rally and 25 of its top officials went on trial last month for having used money intended for EU parliamentary aides instead to pay staff who worked for the party between 2004 and 2016, in violation of the 27-nation bloc's regulations. The National Rally was called the National Front at the time.
Le Pen is to answer questions from the judges until Wednesday over the use of EU money to pay for her bodyguard, her chief of staff and two other party aides.
