Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy. The case involves millions of euros of illicit funds from the late Libyan leader, Col Muammar Gaddafi.
The Paris criminal court cleared Sarkozy of other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing. Sarkozy, 70, served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012. He insists the case is politically motivated.
What the Court Found
Judge Nathalie Gavarino said Sarkozy allowed his close aides to contact Libyan officials to obtain financial support for his 2007 election campaign. However, the court ruled there was insufficient evidence that Sarkozy personally benefited from the funds.
Sarkozy has been ordered to pay a fine of €100,000 (£87,000). He must begin serving his sentence, even if he appeals, marking the first time a former French president may be jailed.
Background of the Case
The investigation started in 2013, two years after Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the Libyan leader’s son, accused Sarkozy of taking millions for his campaign. Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine also claimed he had written proof that Tripoli “abundantly” financed Sarkozy’s bid.
The alleged €50 million (£43 million) payments reportedly continued after Sarkozy became president.
Other Convictions
Former French interior ministers Claude Gueant and Brice Hortefeux were also convicted. Gueant was found guilty of corruption and other charges, while Hortefeux was convicted of criminal conspiracy.
Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, was charged in 2024 with hiding evidence in the Gaddafi case and associating with wrongdoers to commit fraud. She denies all charges.
Sarkozy’s Previous Legal Troubles
Since losing his 2012 re-election bid, Sarkozy has faced several criminal investigations:
In 2021, he became the first former French president to receive a custodial sentence for attempting to bribe a judge.
In February 2024, he was found guilty of overspending on his 2012 campaign and using a PR firm to cover it up. He received a one-year sentence, six months of which were suspended.
Despite his legal troubles, Sarkozy continues to protest his innocence and maintains that the charges are politically motivated.
Public and Historical Significance
Sarkozy’s sentencing represents a historic moment in France, as a former president may serve time in prison. The ruling shocked many in the courtroom, highlighting the serious nature of corruption and criminal conspiracy charges at the highest levels of government.
