The former French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, goes on trial today charged with plotting to discredit President Nicolas Sarkozy. It is alleged that Mr. de Villepin tried to manipulate a judicial investigation to hurt Mr. Sarkozy's chances of winning the 2007 presidential election. If found guilty, Mr. de Villepin could face up to five years in jail and a fine. The former prime minister denies any wrong-doing. The case dates back five years, when Nicolas Sarkozy's name appeared on a list of top politicians and businessmen sent to Dominique de Villepin. It was alleged those named on the list had received bribes from international arms sales. When a judge concluded the listings were false, the focus of the investigation quickly became who was behind the spurious allegations. Magistrates want to know whether that person was Mr. de Villepin, and whether he attempted to conduct a smear campaign against Mr Sarkozy to spoil his chances of winning the presidential election.