Nicolas Sarkozy Begins Prison Sentence Amid Emotional Support and Reflections on Political Ethics

Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France, has commenced a five-year prison sentence at the prison de la Santé following his conviction in the Libyan financing affair. Early on the morning of his incarceration, some 100 supporters gathered outside his home in the XVI arrondissement, rallying after a call organized by Sarkozy's three sons: Louis, Jean, and Pierre. The atmosphere was charged with emotion, highlighted by former minister Nadine Morano's declaration, "We will make you a hero!" as Sarkozy departed.

At 9:05 a.m., Sarkozy, visibly affected, bid farewell to the crowd and embraced his children before leaving for prison. His lawyer disclosed that Sarkozy brought reading materials including Alexandre Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" and plans to write a book documenting his prison experience.

The start of Sarkozy's sentence has also evoked reflection on political corruption and ethics. Eric Halphen, a retired anticorruption judge known for investigating illicit financing related to the Rassemblement pour la République (RPR) party—which connects historically to Sarkozy's political milieu—commented on the ongoing denial by politicians facing accusations. Halphen, who once summoned former President Jacques Chirac to testify in 2001, noted that politicians "never recognize the facts that are reproached to them." Halphen, co-founder of the anticorruption group Anticor, recently retired from the Paris Court of Appeal and now focuses on writing about his experiences combating corruption.

Sarkozy’s imprisonment marks a significant moment for French politics, underscoring ongoing public debates about integrity and accountability among political leaders. His family's mobilization and the emotional solidarity outside his home illustrate the polarized public reactions surrounding his conviction. Meanwhile, former judicial figures emphasize the persistent challenges of addressing political corruption in France.