Prosecutors allege that Sarkozy's conservative party splurged nearly double the 22.5 million euros ($27.28 million) allowed under electoral law on extravagant campaign rallies, and then hired a friendly public relations agency to hide the cost

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives for a hearing in a trial over alleged illegal financing of his failed re-election campaign in 2012, with 13 other defendants, former officials of Bygmalion and representatives of the UMP, at the courthouse in Paris, France, June 15, 2021.

Ex-French president Sarkozy denies wrongdoing at campaign finance trial

Former president faces 1 year in prison if found guilty of forgery, overspending during failed presidential campaign

Sarkozy has denied any wrongdoing, but a former campaign deputy director, Jerome Lavrilleux, admitted in a TV interview in 2014 that the allegations were true

France: New Sarkozy trial starts over 2012 election bid

He is due in court again later this month, on charges of violating campaign financing rules during his failed 2012 re-election bid

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, wearing a protective face mask, arrives for the verdict in his trial on charges of corruption and influence peddling, at Paris courthouse, France, March 1, 2021.

Ex-French president Sarkozy denies wrongdoing at campaign finance trial

France: New Sarkozy trial starts over 2012 election bid

Sarkozy convicted of corruption but likely to avoid jail

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Ex-French president Sarkozy denies wrongdoing at campaign finance trial

France: New Sarkozy trial starts over 2012 election bid

Sarkozy convicted of corruption but likely to avoid jail