French ex-president faces 10 years in prison over alleged Libyan campaign financing

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is facing a potential 10-year prison sentence as his trial over alleged corruption linked to his 2007 presidential campaign continues in Paris.
Sarkozy is accused of striking a “corruption pact” with the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, who allegedly funded Sarkozy’s campaign in exchange for political favors. The prosecution argues that Sarkozy and his associates, including ex-ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux, orchestrated a covert financial arrangement with the Gaddafi regime to secure campaign financing through illicit means. The case centers on alleged financial transfers, including €6 million traced to intermediary Ziad Takieddine, and testimonies such as that of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, who claims he was pressured to alter his testimony regarding the funding. In their closing arguments on Monday (24 March), the lawyers for the plaintiffs highlighted the “implausibilities,” “lies” and “contempt” for the court in the defendants’ defense and cited multiple pieces of “serious and concordant” evidence.
The 70-year-old ex-president, who has denied the charges from the outset, insists that he never received any illegal funds. “I’m not a highwayman, I’m not a bandit,” Sarkozy asserted in court, condemning the prosecution’s assumptions. Prosecutors are reportedly seeking significant penalties, including a fine of €375,000 and a ban from public office. They have also suggested that Sarkozy could be detained immediately, even if he appeals. The trial is nearing its conclusion, with final sentencing recommendations expected by Thursday (27 March). If convicted, Sarkozy’s legacy as president could be irreparably damaged, and the case is expected to have lasting implications for French politics.