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.

Former French presidential contender Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party face a Paris trial over allegations millions of euros in European Union funds were diverted to build up its platform in France.

Marine Le Pen, the leading figure of France's far-right National Rally (RN) party, went on trial on Monday accused of misappropriating EU funds and said she was confident she would prove she did nothing wrong.

The stakes are high for Marine Le Pen as she and other officials from the French far-right party National Rally go on trial over accusations of embezzling European Union funds

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, her National Rally party and two dozen others are accused of embezzling European Parliament funds.

Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen went on trial in Paris on Monday on charges of abusing European Parliament funds by hiring aides provided at taxpayer expense for party matters.

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.