Sarkozy's First Day in Prison: No Individual Is Above Legal Justice

While he was transported at La Santé prison on Tuesday, the former French leader posted a declaration brimming with resistance via social media, stating, "This isn't a ex-leader of the nation facing incarceration today, but rather an wrongfully accused individual." The appeals judiciary will eventually decide regarding the truthfulness of this assertion. But unfortunately for Mr Sarkozy, the drama and importance of his decline cannot be dismissed.

The Conviction

France's leader between 2007 and 2012, the former president was judged culpable of illegal collaboration to obtain illegal financing from the government of the late Libyan dictator, the Libyan strongman. Handed a five-year sentence, he has emerged as the pioneering past president of an EU member state to enter prison, and the first French leader since the dishonored head of Vichy France, the Vichy leader. Within a nation where the chosen leader enjoys a quasi-monarchical status, Tuesday's remarkable event was a defining instance.

National Faith and Legal Consequences

During a period when confidence in political systems in France has plummeted to the degree where alarms are sounding, it was also a instructive example that no one is above the law. In a poll published on Tuesday, over 65% of those surveyed indicated that they believed a large number of elected officials were corrupt, and almost 90% reported that most acted mainly out of self-interest. While judging the former president and ordering that his sentence should commence promptly, the judge, the judicial authority, declared that she factored in both the extremely serious character of the violations and the fact that they were "potentially erode public confidence."

Judicial Threats

These considerations might be deemed typical, especially given that the ex-president has previously been convicted in distinct bribery proceedings. But the Sarkozy trial and its aftermath have disturbingly laid bare the scope to which within the nation, as in different nations, the judicial framework is endangered by a recently popular disdain for courts and the try to influence of the popular view.

Following a populist playbook, an comprehensive and precise legal process has been baselessly portrayed by Mr Sarkozy's supporters as a courtroom scheme and political retaliation. Following the ruling in September, the ex-leader effectively denounced his sentence as unlawful and decried the "animosity" with "no limits" that reportedly inspired it. Since prominent officials and advocates from the conservative and extremist have filled the airwaves and traditional outlets with the identical arguments, Ms Gavarino has obtained multiple threats.

Societal Feedback

Reassuringly, the population largely rejects this narrative. A post-verdict poll found significant majorities backing both the handling of Mr Sarkozy's trial and his sentencing. But the turmoil, and the obvious try to weaken the standing of the legal system, was very likely merely a dress rehearsal. During winter, the National Rally figure's court petition against a judgment for embezzlement of political funds will occur. If unsuccessful, the far-right National Rally leader will be disqualified from competing in the future campaign.

Future Implications

In a polarised and mistrustful nation, that will be a dangerous time for the country's courts to handle. Mr Sarkozy may yet be released before his own appeal, after an application by his lawyers. Yet the irresponsible and baseless attacks on the judicial framework throughout his case have created a negative standard.