Nicolas Sarkozy will appear before a judge on Tuesday accused of illegal campaign funding for his unsuccessful 2012 presidential re-election bid.

The former French leader is in the dock with 13 other associates and colleagues in what is known as the “Bygmalion” case.

The trial began three weeks ago, but Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, was not present for the opening. He will answer questions over allegations a fake billing scheme was established allowing a massive spend over the legal campaign limit.

This scheme allegedly financed extravagant political rallies with thousands of flag-waving fans at which Sarkozy played the showman with elaborate sets accompanied by specially composed music, all of which was captured by renowned film directors and beamed to audiences on giant screens.

Sarkozy, 66, and his team are accused of spending almost twice the legal €22.5m (£19.4m) limit for the presidential campaign against Socialist François Hollande.

Three of the 13 other defendants, who were connected to the communications and events agency Bygmalion, have admitted being involved in producing fake receipts.