Sarkozy's Initial 24 Hours Behind Bars: No Individual Is Above the Law
While he arrived at the Parisian detention facility this week, Nicolas Sarkozy posted a statement overflowing with opposition via social media, writing, "It's not a former president of the nation who is being jailed this morning, it's an innocent man." The appeals judiciary will in time rule on the veracity of this assertion. Yet sadly for Mr Sarkozy, the drama and impact of his downfall cannot be dismissed.
The Guilty Verdict
President of France during the 2007-2012 term, Mr Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy to acquire illegal financing from the government of the deceased Libyan leader, the Libyan strongman. Given a five-year sentence, he has emerged as the first former leader of an EU country to be imprisoned, and the first French leader since the disgraced head of the Vichy regime, Marshal PĂ©tain. Within a nation where the democratically selected head of state possesses a almost king-like position, this week's unprecedented scene was a historic occasion.
Citizen Confidence and Legal Consequences
At a time when confidence in political systems in France has collapsed to the extent where warning signs are evident, it was also a salutary demonstration that everyone is subject to the law. As per a study released on Tuesday, over 65% of those surveyed stated that they thought a large number of politicians were dishonest, and nearly nine out of 10 claimed that many operated primarily out of individual benefit. While judging the former president and directing that his sentence should commence promptly, the presiding magistrate, Nathalie Gavarino, noted that she factored in both the exceptionally grave nature of the offences and the fact that they were "likely to undermine public confidence."
Legal Challenges
Such reflections might be deemed typical, especially given that the ex-president has in the past been convicted in distinct bribery proceedings. However the legal proceedings and its fallout have disturbingly laid bare the extent to which in France, as in different nations, the legal system is jeopardized by a newly fashionable contempt for the judiciary and the try to influence of public opinion.
Using divisive tactics, an exhaustive and meticulous judicial procedure has been baselessly portrayed by his backers as a judicial plot and political retaliation. Following the ruling in September, the former president publicly criticized his sentence as unlawful and censured the "animosity" with "no boundaries" that supposedly drove it. Since senior politicians and supporters from the right and far right have filled the airwaves and conservative press with the same talking points, Ms Gavarino has received multiple threats.
Societal Feedback
Encouragingly, the population does not appear to be buying it. A survey after the ruling found comfortable majorities endorsing both the handling of the legal case and his punishment. Yet the spectacle, and the obvious try to weaken the standing of the court system, was in all likelihood only a preliminary test. Next year, the far-right leader's legal challenge against a conviction for diversion of electoral finances will be heard. Should she lose it, the political candidate will be ruled out from running in the future campaign.
Coming Consequences
In a polarised and mistrustful nation, that will be a perilous moment for the French judiciary to handle. The former president could still be freed prior to his appeal hearing, following a request by his lawyers. But the unfounded and damaging assaults on the judicial framework before, during and after his proceedings have established a harmful example.
