France's ex-president Sarkozy starts 5-year prison sentence

PARIS,— Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday after being convicted of conspiring to illegally raise campaign funds from Libya, marking an unprecedented moment in modern French politics.

Sarkozy, 70, who governed France from 2007 to 2012, was taken to the La Santé prison in Paris. He was accompanied by his wife, Carla Bruni, and greeted by supporters who gathered outside their home, chanting “Nicolas, Nicolas” and singing the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.

The sentence follows his conviction last month on charges that he conspired with aides to secure millions of euros from former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to finance his 2007 presidential campaign.

Sarkozy is the first French president to be jailed since Marshal Philippe Pétain, who collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II.

France’s ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy leaves his house with his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy on the day of his incarceration at the Sante prison to begin his five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy over attempts to raise campaign funds from Libya, in Paris, France, October 21, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Before leaving for prison, Sarkozy released a statement on X, declaring his innocence. “It is not a former president who is being imprisoned this morning; it is an innocent man,” he said, describing the case as “the result of revenge and hatred.”

Although the court ruled that Sarkozy conspired to obtain illicit funds, he was acquitted of personally accepting or using the money. He has repeatedly denied all accusations and said the case was politically driven.

His legal team said they have filed for early release while his appeal is pending. According to his lawyers, the request is expected to be reviewed within weeks, with hopes that Sarkozy could be home by Christmas.

Officials confirmed that Sarkozy will be held in an isolation unit at La Santé, where inmates occupy single-person cells and are separated during outdoor breaks for security reasons.

Each cell measures roughly 100 to 130 square feet and includes a private shower. He will have access to a landline telephone and can rent a television for 14 euros (about $16) per month.

Sarkozy told Le Figaro newspaper he was bringing three books, including Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, the tale of a man unjustly imprisoned who seeks justice and revenge.

The jailing of a former head of state has caused uproar among Sarkozy’s supporters and the political right. “Nicolas Sarkozy is not a criminal,” said supporter Jacqueline Fraboulet, who joined others outside his home. “We feel the justice system is being used as a weapon, and that’s bad for France.”

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, greets Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi upon his arrival on Dec. 10 2007 at the Elysee Palace, in Paris. Photo: AP

Sarkozy’s family, including his children and brothers, gathered to see him off. The former president appeared solemn but waved to the crowd before entering the car that took him to prison.

Analysts say the ruling reflects a tougher stance in France on corruption and financial crimes. In past decades, politicians often avoided prison even when convicted.

Despite multiple legal challenges, Sarkozy remains influential on France’s political right. President Emmanuel Macron, who has maintained friendly relations with Sarkozy and Bruni, said he met with the former president before his incarceration.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin also plans to visit him, a move criticized by left-wing lawmakers as an interference with judicial independence.

Born to a Hungarian immigrant father, Sarkozy rose to power promising pro-business reforms and economic revival. His presidency was overshadowed by the global financial crisis, which derailed much of his agenda and weakened his popularity ahead of the 2012 election.

(With files from Reuters)