Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally party, is on trial for allegedly embezzling European Parliament funds, a case that could impact her political future.

Le Pen denied any wrongdoing, asserting that her actions were within the law and pledging to present a strong defense.

The trial, which will last nine weeks, revolves around accusations that Le Pen and 27 officials misused funds intended for EU parliamentary aides to pay party staff between 2004 and 2016.

If convicted, Le Pen faces up to 10 years in prison and potential disqualification from future office, as reported by CNN.

The case follows a 2015 alert from the European Parliament regarding possible fraudulent activities.

Written by Emily Begley