A defiant Nicolas Sarkozy told a Paris court on Thursday that allegations of illegal Libyan financing of his successful 2007 presidential bid were a "conspiracy" and that not a single cent of Libyan cash would ever be found in his campaign.

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.

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy denies allegations that he received 50 million euros to fund his 2007 election campaign from late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.