Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives for a hearing in his trial with twelve other defendants on charges of corruption and illegal financing of an election campaign related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid, at the courthouse in Paris, France, January 8, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy 's trial started on Monday over alleged illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign by the government of then-Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Sarkozy, 69,

The former French president has faced several legal cases since leaving office, but accusations that he received money for his 2007 election from Libyan authorities have been particularly damaging.