France's Highest Court Affirms Sarkozy's 2012 Campaign Financing Conviction
France's highest judicial body, the Court of Cassation, has delivered a definitive ruling, upholding the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for illegal campaign financing stemming from his unsuccessful re-election bid in 2012. This significant decision, announced on a recent Wednesday, confirms his previously handed-down sentence of one year in prison, with half of that term suspended.
Sentence to Be Served at Home
Under the provisions of French law, the 70-year-old Sarkozy is expected to serve this prison sentence from his residence, subject to electronic monitoring or other specific requirements stipulated by a judge. This latest legal development comes swiftly after his release from incarceration just two weeks prior, where he had been held in connection with a separate campaign financing case.
Previous Libyan Funding Case
In the distinct case, Sarkozy spent 20 days imprisoned at Paris's La Santé facility after being found guilty of orchestrating a scheme to illicitly obtain funds from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi to finance his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Throughout all legal proceedings, Sarkozy has steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any wrongdoing.
Overspending Allegations in 2012 Bid
The current conviction, which was initially pronounced by a Paris court in 2021 and subsequently upheld by an appeals court in 2024, centers on accusations that Sarkozy significantly exceeded legal spending limits during his 2012 campaign. Prosecutors alleged that he spent nearly twice the maximum legal allowance of 22.5 million euros (equivalent to approximately $25.5 million) in his attempt to win against socialist challenger François Hollande, an election he ultimately lost. This ruling effectively closes a major legal chapter for the former head of state regarding financial irregularities during his 2012 political campaign.
