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.

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.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and other National Rally officials went on trial on Monday in Paris, facing charges of embezzling millions of euros in European Union funds to pay for employees working for the party.