Historic Incarceration of Nicolas Sarkozy Sparks Emotional Support Rally in Paris

On October 21, 2025, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was incarcerated at the Santé prison in Paris, marking the first time in the Fifth Republic's history that a former president has spent the night behind bars. Arriving at 9:39 AM in a black Renault Espace, Sarkozy did not show his face upon entry but had promised to face the situation “with his head held high.” He is currently appealing his conviction related to the infamous Libyan campaign financing scandal, the case that led to his imprisonment.

Earlier that morning in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, between 100 to 200 supporters gathered outside Sarkozy's Montmorency villa to show their solidarity. The crowd chanted slogans like “Nicolas, we are with you!” amid a strong police presence including riot police. Flags emblazoned with the word "Vérité" were sold for 20 euros. Among the supporters was Omar, who voiced frustration with current French leadership, saying, "Because after Sarkozy we have had only incompetents! France is a disaster."

The public reaction to Sarkozy’s incarceration has been mixed, with some supporters deeming the imprisonment an injustice, while others view it as deserved. Near the prison, onlookers expressed a range of emotions including humor and ridicule, referencing Sarkozy’s past controversies.

The day also revealed the emotional toll on Sarkozy’s family. Aurélien Enthoven, the son of Carla Bruni and Sarkozy's stepson, was seen visibly moved during a rally in support of his stepfather near their family home. Surrounded by family members, Aurélien shared a message from Sarkozy on Instagram, where he proclaimed his innocence, stating, “What is being imprisoned today is not a former president of the Republic, but an innocent.” This solidarity underscored the close-knit family's resilience amid the historic event.

This event stands as a landmark moment in French political history, highlighting the deep divisions in public opinion and the profound personal impact on those connected to the former president.