Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France, has been found guilty of illegally funding his 2012 re-election campaign.
The Paris court of appeal confirmed a previous guilty verdict, handing him a one-year sentence, of which six months were suspended, subjecting him to possible electronic monitoring with an ankle tag. The sentence is being appealed at France’s highest court by Sarkozy’s lawyer, putting it on hold for now.
Sarkozy was accused of spending nearly double the €22.5m cap on his campaign, then using a PR firm to cover it up. Prosecutors said Sarkozy’s UMP party splurged on lavish campaign rallies and events, incurring costs that were then invoiced to the party, rather than the campaign, to conceal the overspending.
Despite Sarkozy’s denial of all allegations, prosecutors argue that he must have been aware of the scheme, although they admit they cannot prove his involvement.
This case, known as the Bygmalion affair, has implicated several other people, including Sarkozy’s deputy campaign manager, Jérôme Lavrilleux, who were also handed suspended sentences.
Since losing his re-election bid in 2012, Sarkozy has faced multiple criminal investigations. He was previously given a suspended prison sentence in 2023 for attempting to bribe a judge in 2014, making him the first former French president to receive a custodial sentence.
Looking ahead, Sarkozy will be tried next year over allegations of taking illegal funds for his 2007 presidential campaign from the late Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. If found guilty, he faces possible electronic monitoring, community service, or a fine.
Sarkozy served only one term as president, adopting tough anti-immigration policies and seeking to reform France’s economy during a presidency overshadowed by the global financial crisis.
His legal troubles since leaving office have significantly tarnished his legacy, casting a shadow over his time in power and giving him the dubious distinction of being the first former French president to face a custodial sentence.
