Sarkozy’s Conviction Upheld: A Blow to French Politics
The Verdict
The Cour de Cassation, France’s highest court, has upheld the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling. This marks a significant blow to the former leader, who had been found guilty by a lower court in 2021 of trying to bribe a judge and peddling influence in exchange for confidential information about a probe into his 2007 campaign finances.
The Charges
Sarkozy was handed a three-year prison sentence, with two of the years suspended. He was also ordered to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet instead of serving time in prison for the last year. The charges against him relate to his attempts to secure a job in Monaco for a judge in exchange for inside information about an investigation into allegations that he had accepted illegal payments from L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt.
The Investigation
The investigation into Sarkozy’s activities began in 2013, when he was accused of accepting millions of euros in illicit funding for his 2007 presidential campaign. The allegations were made by Bettencourt, who claimed that Sarkozy had accepted the money in exchange for political favors. The investigation was later expanded to include allegations of corruption and influence peddling.
The Verdict
In 2021, Sarkozy was found guilty by a lower court of the charges brought against him. The court found that he had conspired to secure a job in Monaco for a judge in exchange for inside information about the investigation into his campaign finances. The judge, Gilbert Azibert, was also convicted of corruption and influence peddling.
The Consequences
Sarkozy’s conviction is a significant blow to his reputation and his political career. He is now expected to stand trial next year on corruption and illegal financing charges related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid. If convicted, Sarkozy could face up to 10 years in prison.
A Precedent
Sarkozy is not the first former French president to be convicted of a crime. His predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was found guilty of corruption in 2011, four years after he left office. Chirac was the only other president in modern French history to be convicted by a court.
FAQs
- What was Sarkozy accused of?
Sarkozy was accused of trying to bribe a judge and peddling influence in exchange for confidential information about a probe into his 2007 campaign finances. - What was the outcome of the investigation?
Sarkozy was found guilty by a lower court and was handed a three-year prison sentence, with two of the years suspended. - What are the next steps for Sarkozy?
Sarkozy is expected to stand trial next year on corruption and illegal financing charges related to alleged Libyan funding of his successful 2007 presidential bid. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.