French Twist

(Fox News) - Preliminary charges have been filed against former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin in a scandal that has rocked the Paris political scene.

Villepin is accused of taking part in a smear campaign against current President Nikolas Sarkozy several years ago. Officials say Villepin falsely accused Sarkozy and others of having secret bank accounts which were used to hold bribe money. Villepin has denied any wrongdoing.

Villepin is famous for his 2003 speech before the U.N. Security Council arguing against the U.S. led war in Iraq.