While he was transported at La Santé prison on Tuesday, Nicolas Sarkozy posted a declaration overflowing with opposition via social media, writing, "This isn't a ex-leader of the republic facing incarceration this morning, but rather an wrongfully accused individual." A court of appeal will eventually give its view the truthfulness of this assertion. However, regrettably for Mr Sarkozy, the drama and significance of his decline cannot be dismissed.
The Conviction
President of France during the 2007-2012 term, Mr Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy to obtain illegal financing from the administration of the former Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi. Sentenced to a five-year prison term, he has become the pioneering past president of an European Union nation to enter prison, and the first French leader since the dishonored head of wartime France, Philippe Pétain. Across France where the elected president enjoys a almost king-like position, this week's remarkable event was a seminal moment.
National Faith and Judicial Responsibility
In an era when trust in government bodies in France has collapsed to the extent where alarms are sounding, it was also a sobering reminder that no one is above the law. As per a study published recently, a majority of participants stated that they thought a large number of elected officials were unethical, and nearly nine out of 10 said that the majority operated primarily out of personal gain. In sentencing the former president and directing that his prison term should start immediately, the court official, the judge, noted that she took into account both the exceptionally grave nature of the violations and the fact that they were "could damage public confidence."
Legal Challenges
Such reflections might be deemed typical, especially given that the ex-president has in the past been sentenced in distinct bribery proceedings. Yet the legal proceedings and its fallout have disturbingly laid bare the degree to which across the country, as in various states, the legal system is threatened by a increasingly common contempt for the judiciary and the try to influence of public opinion.
Using divisive tactics, an exhaustive and meticulous legal process has been baselessly portrayed by his backers as a judicial plot and ideological revenge. Following the ruling in September, the ex-leader publicly criticized his judgment as invalid and condemned the "animosity" with "no restraints" that reportedly inspired it. While prominent officials and backers from the traditional and radical have filled the airwaves and traditional outlets with the similar rhetoric, Ms Gavarino has been subjected to various menaces.
Societal Feedback
Hearteningly, the citizens does not appear to be buying it. A post-verdict poll found comfortable majorities backing both the conduct of Mr Sarkozy's trial and his sentencing. However the drama, and the blatant effort to damage the credibility of the court system, was very likely just a trial run. In January, the far-right leader's court petition against a judgment for misuse of campaign money will be heard. If the appeal fails, the conservative figure will be ruled out from competing in the upcoming election.
Long-term Effects
Across a fragmented and doubtful society, that will be a risky period for the national legal system to navigate. Mr Sarkozy may yet be released before his own appeal, following a request by his attorneys. However the irresponsible and baseless attacks on the court system before, during and after his proceedings have set a damaging precedent.
