Marine Le Pen and others are accused of using European funds for unrelated party expenses. The trial, expected to last two months, comes as her National Rally has gained more political sway.

The threat of conviction comes at a crucial juncture for the far-right leader, whose party has gained unprecedented sway over France’s new government.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen denied violating any rules as she and her National Rally party and two dozen others went on trial on Monday, accused of embezzling European Parliament funds, in a case that has the potential to derail her political ambitions.