In a historic ruling, France’s highest court has upheld the 2021 corruption conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, solidifying his three-year sentence for bribery and influence peddling. Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, now faces the unprecedented reality of serving his punishment under electronic monitoring.
The Court of Cassation’s decision confirms that Sarkozy will not serve time in prison; instead, two years of his sentence are suspended, and the remaining year will be spent wearing an electronic bracelet. His lawyer, Patrick Spinosi, announced plans to appeal the verdict to the European Court of Human Rights. “I maintain my innocence and will challenge this ruling at the European level,” Sarkozy stated, expressing concern over France’s potential condemnation by the court.
The case stems from allegations that Sarkozy conspired to bribe Judge Gilbert Azibert in exchange for confidential details about an inquiry into his 2007 campaign finances. The court found that Sarkozy had promised to help secure Azibert a prestigious position in Monaco, a scheme that ultimately unraveled under investigation. Azibert was also convicted of corruption.
This landmark decision marks Sarkozy as only the second French president in modern history to be convicted of corruption, following Jacques Chirac in 2011. Yet, Sarkozy’s legal woes are far from over. Next year, he faces trial over allegations that his 2007 presidential campaign received illicit funding from Libya’s government—claims he vehemently denies.
Having retired from politics in 2017, Sarkozy now navigates a legacy overshadowed by scandal. His conviction sends a powerful message about accountability, even at the highest levels of power, while his appeal to European courts signals a fierce determination to clear his name.
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