Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is facing trial on charges of receiving millions of euros in illegal financing from Libya’s late strongman Moammar Gadhafi for his 2007 presidential bid. Sarkozy, who has consistently denied the accusations, now faces three months of trial risks further eroding public trust in France’s political elite.
Allegations claim that Sarkozy entered a corrupt pact with the Libyan government, involving Libyan spies, arms dealers, and allegations that Gadhafi provided millions of euros to support his campaign. The case is built on wiretaps, judges traveling abroad, and an investigation that spanned over 10 years.
Sarkozy’s lawyer argues that there is no evidence of Libyan financing, claiming “no trace of financing, no transfer, no payment.” If convicted, Sarkozy faces up to 10 years in prison and €386,000 in fines. The trial brings together numerous defendants, including Sarkozy’s former right-hand man Claude Gueant and former Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux.
The case has significant implications, with anti-corruption groups highlighting the dangers of cross-border corruption. A decade-long investigation led to this moment, as France seeks to address corruption claims that have rocked its politics.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/06/europe/nicolas-sarkozy-france-trial-gadhafi-intl/index.html