Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France, is currently incarcerated. He is currently serving a five year sentence after being convicted of criminal conspiracy for receiving illegal campaign financing from Libya. Yet this unprecedented sentence in many ways is a historic victory for France. Sarkozy would become the first modern French head of state to serve jailtime, joining historical figures such as Louis XVI and Philippe Pétain. His conviction reverberates through the political skyline. Whatever direction it takes after this momentous event, it is indeed a very special time in legal history for France.
The legal troubles facing Sarkozy today stem from his campaign for the presidency in 2007. He was subsequently convicted of conspiracy on grounds that he colluded with Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. That agreement resulted in illegal funding — known as in-kind contributions — for his successful election run. It raised serious questions about the integrity of France’s political system. The court said that these were “actually exceptionally serious acts.” They concluded by noting that such misconduct has the real potential to permanently tarnish citizens’ faith in the integrity of their elected leaders.
Just minutes after the verdict was delivered, Sarkozy’s sentence of five years behind bars was issued. Of that time, he will only serve part of that time under an electronic tag. This deal represents an important first for a former French president. He’s now experiencing the real-world effect of the reactionary views about crime and punishment that he fervently advocated while serving in office.
Sarkozy’s imprisonment is compelling enough due to its historic significance. The circumstances surrounding this decidedly unprecedented event have contributed to the intrigue. He was given a few weeks’ notice before entering detention. Even as he prepared to surrender, he took the time to celebrate his daughter’s birthday. On the eve of his reporting to prison, Sarkozy threw himself a farewell party. His supporters erupted into cheers as he left his home.
Fellow climate advocates, friends and family have spoken of their profound sadness at losing him in this way. One friend remarked, “It’s a shock for people like us, it’s terrible,” while another added, “We’re not made for that, we’re not animals.” Sarkozy’s inner circle — soon to be decimated — is stunned. They find it hard to understand the fall from grace of a man who had held the keys to the Élysée Palace, France’s highest office.
Controversy erupted when news had spread of Sarkozy’s imprisonment. It has called into question the legality of the ministerial actions taken by France’s justice chief, Gérald Darmanin. Darmanin visited Sarkozy days after his sentencing, purportedly out of concern “as a friend.” It was this visit that gave rise to URI’s lawsuit. 30 lawyers have come together to voice their collective complaint of bias against Darmanin and call for his withdrawal from Sarkozy’s case.
Though the circumstances of his decline are certainly serious, Sarkozy’s adjustment to prison has been cushioned by some special favors. Today, he lives in a private cell due to security concerns. This measure has been put into place as the specter of a prison overcrowding crisis looms over France. This deal has left many wondering if the deal made with her was unfair treatment of a high-profile defendant vs. low/regular inmates.
Still, as he charts this new course, the heat is on—and the focus on Sarkozy is fierce. His hardline stance on crime during his presidency makes his current situation all the more jarring. In previous public statements, Sarkozy famously asserted, “When you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear from the police,” a sentiment that now resonates differently given his conviction.
The political ramifications of Sarkozy’s conviction go well beyond his individual destiny. His case should remind us that we must continue to #FollowTheMoney and hold our leaders accountable long after elections are over. And the eyes of France—and the rest of the world—are watching Sarkozy every step of the way. His trial, conviction, and ensuing punishment serve as a continuing reminder of the sometimes dire consequences that political corruption may wreak.