In a historic verdict, France's top court has affirmed the conviction of ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling, mandating a year of incarceration.

This landmark decision marks the first instance in modern French history in which a former president will serve a prison sentence for corruption that occurred during their presidency, as Breitbart reports.

France's Court of Cassation upheld a prior appeals court verdict that found Sarkozy, aged 69, guilty of corruption and influence peddling.

This final decision confirms that Sarkozy’s legal battles over these charges have reached an endpoint.

The Path to Sarkozy's Historic Conviction

Initially, a Paris court in 2021 found Sarkozy guilty of attempting to bribe a magistrate to gain information on an ongoing legal case implicating him. The appeals court upheld this verdict in 2023, leading to the recent affirmation by the Court of Cassation.

The crux of the corruption case revolved around intercepted phone conversations in February 2014.

Sarkozy and his lawyer, using the alias “Paul Bismuth,” were recorded promising a job in Monaco to magistrate Gilbert Azibert in exchange for confidential information about the legal proceedings against Sarkozy.

Although the promised job was never provided, French law still considers the unfulfilled promise as an act of corruption.

Understanding Court's Ruling

With the convictions now final, as stated by the Court of Cassation, Sarkozy faces a year in prison. He has the option to request home detention with an electronic bracelet instead of traditional imprisonment.

The court’s statement emphasized the finality of the verdict: “The convictions and sentences are therefore final,” highlighting the exhaustive judicial review that confirmed Sarkozy’s guilt.

Sarkozy's Legal Troubles and Public Life

Sarkozy served as the French president from 2007 to 2012 and retired from active politics in 2017. However, he has maintained a significant influence in French conservative politics and was recently seen at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Despite his retirement, Sarkozy is embroiled in multiple legal challenges. He staunchly denies any wrongdoing in all cases, including the one leading to his current conviction.

Sarkozy's defense in the corruption case has been vehement, especially concerning his intentions with Azibert. He has publicly declared, “vigorously denied any malicious intention.”

Comparative Cases of Presidential Misconduct

Sarkozy is not the first French president to face serious legal difficulties. Jacques Chirac, Sarkozy’s predecessor, was convicted in 2011 for misuse of public funds during his tenure as the mayor of Paris.

Unlike Sarkozy, Chirac received a two-year suspended prison sentence and did not serve time in prison.

This decision against Sarkozy is significant not only because it involves actual prison time but also because it pertains to acts committed during his tenure as president, setting a precedent in French judicial history.

Future Legal Battles for Sarkozy

Looking ahead, Nicolas Sarkozy is scheduled for another trial next month. This trial concerns accusations of illicitly financing his 2007 presidential campaign with millions received from the then-Libyan dictator, Moammar Gadhafi.

These ongoing legal battles underscore the severity and breadth of the challenges facing Sarkozy, even years after his presidency.