France, Sept. 25 -- Nicolas Sarkozy's political legacy hangs in the balance as French judges prepare to deliver their verdict in the 'Libya cash' trial over the funding of his 2007 presidential campaign.

France is bracing for courtroom drama this Thursday as judges deliver their verdict on whether former president Nicolas Sarkozy pocketed millions in illegal campaign financing from late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

It's the climax of a saga that has mixed politics, international intrigue and now- in a twist worthy of a thriller - the sudden death of Sarkozy's most persistent accuser.

The ruling could mark another watershed moment in Sarkozy's turbulent post-presidential years.

Now 70, the former conservative leader has already chal...