Sarkozy faces trial over alleged Libyan financing of 2007 presidential campaign

A high-profile trial began in Paris on Monday, focusing on allegations that former French President Nicolas Sarkozy received millions of euros in illegal campaign financing from Libya’s late leader, Muammar Gaddafi, for his successful 2007 presidential bid.

Sarkozy, who served as France's president from 2007 to 2012, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. 

The case first emerged in 2011 after Libyan media reported on the claims. Gaddafi himself allegedly stated in an interview that Sarkozy owed his election victory to him, according to the Associated Press.

Key evidence in the trial includes a document reportedly from Libya’s secret services, suggesting Gaddafi agreed to fund Sarkozy’s campaign with €50 million. The official declared cost of Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign was €20 million, according to the Associated Press.

Sarkozy’s legal team has dismissed the document as a forgery and criticized the investigation. 

“There is no Libyan financing of the campaign,” they stated. “We trust the court will objectively evaluate the facts, free from the influence of baseless theories that have clouded this case.”

The charges against Sarkozy include corruption, illegal campaign financing, and concealing the embezzlement of public funds. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

The trial is set to continue until April 10, with a verdict expected at a later date.