International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde is to stand trial from December 12 for her role in a 400-million-euro payout when she was France’s Economy Minister.

The country’s highest appeals court rejected her request not to go to court for alleged negligence resulting in the misuse of public funds. She is accused of improperly approving an out-of-court settlement over a dispute with businessman Bernard Tapie.

Tapie, a supporter of Conservative former President Nicolas Sarkozy is awaiting the outcome of an appeal against an order to reimburse the French state.