A Paris appeals court upheld the verdict on Wednesday, finding former French President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of illegal campaign financing in connection with his unsuccessful 2012 reelection bid. This affirmation of the lower court’s ruling brings a one-year prison sentence, with half suspended, which can be served through alternative measures such as wearing an electronic bracelet.
Despite the conviction, Sarkozy’s lawyer, Vincent Desry, announced plans to escalate the case to France’s highest judicial authority, the Cour de Cassation, citing concerns about the fairness of the decision. Desry reiterated Sarkozy’s claim of innocence, signalling a continuation of the legal battle.
The Cour de Cassation, known for scrutinizing procedural aspects rather than re-examining the case’s facts, could prolong the legal process significantly with its deliberations.
While Sarkozy attended the court session to hear the outcome, he left without addressing reporters. His presidency from 2007 to 2012 cemented his stature as a prominent figure within conservative circles, maintaining a rapport with current President Emmanuel Macron despite facing multiple legal challenges related to campaign finance irregularities.
The case revolves around allegations that Sarkozy’s party, previously known as UMP and now Les Republicains, collaborated with the public relations firm Bygmalion to conceal the actual expenses of his campaign, characterized by extravagant events unprecedented in French political history.
During the proceedings, Sarkozy distanced himself from direct involvement, attributing responsibility to certain campaign team members. Prosecutors contend that Bygmalion invoiced UMP rather than the campaign itself, resulting in a campaign expenditure nearly double the permitted limit of $45.9 million. France enforces stringent regulations on campaign spending to ensure fairness and transparency in electoral processes.
