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Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been stripped of the Legion of Honour, the nation’s highest distinction, following the confirmation of his corruption conviction last year. This revocation of the prestigious award was formalized in an official decree issued on Sunday. The corruption conviction marks a significant downfall for the one-term president, who has faced numerous legal challenges since leaving office. This action underscores the severity with which France views influence peddling and breaches of public trust.
Sarkozy Loses Legion of Honour After Corruption Conviction
Beset by legal issues since his departure from office in 2012, the conservative ex-president saw France’s highest court validate his conviction for influence peddling and corruption in December. The ruling included a mandate for him to wear an electronic tracking device for a year.
Details of the Corruption Case
A lower court initially found the former president guilty in 2021 of attempting to bribe a judge and trading influence in exchange for confidential details pertaining to an inquiry into his 2007 campaign finances.
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- Sarkozy’s legal team pursued an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) following the initial conviction.
- His attorney, Patrice Spinosi, acknowledged the revocation of the award while emphasizing that the appeal process remained ongoing.
Potential Implications of ECHR Ruling
Spinosi stated that a judgment against France by the ECHR could lead to a reevaluation of both Sarkozy’s criminal conviction and his expulsion from the Legion of Honour.
Macron’s Stance on the Revocation
President Emmanuel Macron reportedly opposed the decision to strip Sarkozy of the honor. Nevertheless, regulations governing France’s premier state decoration stipulate that any recipient receiving a definitive prison sentence of a year or more is to be excluded.
Macron, who maintains regular contact with Sarkozy, had previously asserted that former presidents should be “respected” due to their service in the nation’s highest office.
Historical Precedent and Other Revocations
Prior to Sarkozy, only one former president had been stripped of the Legion of Honour was Philippe Pétain, the leader of the Vichy regime during World War II, who was found guilty of treason in 1945.
- Other individuals stripped of the honor include Bashar al-Assad, Lance Armstrong, and Harvey Weinstein.
Ongoing Legal Battles for Sarkozy
Legal challenges continue to plague Sarkozy. He faces accusations of illicit campaign financing related to his unsuccessful 2012 reelection campaign and is currently undergoing trial for allegedly accepting illegal funding from the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
A verdict in the Gaddafi case is anticipated in September, with prosecutors seeking a seven-year prison term. Sarkozy maintains his innocence against all charges.