The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has gone on trial for the alleged illegal campaign financing of the massive, showman-style political rallies he staged during his failed re-election bid in 2012. Sarkozy, president for one term from 2007 to 2012, was not present for the opening of the trial in Paris on Thursday but will take the stand next month. Prosecutors have said that accountants warned Sarkozy the campaign was set to overtake the €22.5 million spending limit, but that he insisted on holding more events. Unlike some of the defendants, Sarkozy is not charged with fraud, but with the lesser offence of illegal campaign financing. Sarkozy remains an influential and popular figure on the right, being interviewed on TV and featuring on magazine covers.

Source: The Irish Times May 20, 2021 09:08 UTC