The Paris court is expected to render its verdict in the spring. It could declare Le Pen ineligible to seek public office if it finds her guilty.

French judges will deliver verdicts on March 31 in the trial of Marine Le Pen and her far-right party on charges of misappropriating European Union funds, a ruling that could have far-reaching political consequences.

French stocks and bonds came under fire on Wednesday, driving the premium the government pays for long-term borrowing to its highest since the euro zone debt crisis of 2012, as investors grew uneasy over the fate of the new government and its budget.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said the country faces a “storm” in financial markets if an “unlikely but possible” alliance of lawmakers across the political spectrum rejects his government’s budget proposals and votes it out of power.