Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years in Libya Campaign Financing Case

On September 25, 2025, a Paris court sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison after finding him guilty of criminal conspiracy, the BBC reported. The case centered on accusations that Sarkozy and his aides formed a "corruption pact" to receive illegal funding from the regime of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi for his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Prosecutors alleged that in exchange for the funds, the Libyan regime was promised diplomatic and business favors. Sarkozy, who was president from 2007 to 2012, was acquitted of other charges, including passive corruption and illegal campaign financing.

theguardian.com reported, The court's ruling specified that Sarkozy, 70, must serve prison time even if he appeals the decision, a move the judge called justified due to the "exceptional gravity" of the offenses. Several of Sarkozy's associates were also convicted, including former ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux, who were also found guilty of criminal conspiracy. Sarkozy has denied all wrongdoing, called the verdict an "injustice," and stated his intention to appeal.