FRENCH far-right leader Marine Le Pen was set to answer questions from judges at a Paris court today as she and her National Rally (NR) party stood trial over the suspected embezzlement of European Parliament funds. 

Ms Le Pen has denied any wrongdoing.

A guilty verdict in the nine-week trial could significantly affect Ms Le Pen’s political career and her aspirations to stand in France’s next presidential election in 2027. She and her co-defendants could also face 10 years in prison and fines of up to €1 million (around £800,000) each.