Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty in 2021 of offering a bribe to a judge in return for secret details about an investigation. The Guardian
France takes back top award from Sarkozy
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy no longer holds the country’s highest award—the Legion of Honour. Officials removed his name from the order after a court upheld his corruption conviction in 2023.
Court upheld corruption charge
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has faced many legal issues since leaving office. In 2021, a court found him guilty of trying to bribe a judge for inside information about an investigation into his campaign finances. France’s highest court confirmed that ruling in December and ordered him to wear an electronic ankle monitor for one year.
His tag was removed this month, but his legal journey continues. He has now taken the case to the European Court of Human Rights. His lawyer, Patrice Spinosi, said they noted the honour's removal but hoped for a positive ruling in the appeal. If the European court rules in Sarkozy’s favour, it could reopen the case and possibly restore the honour.
Macron disagreed with removal
French President Emmanuel Macron opposed the decision to strip Sarkozy of the title. He said that former presidents deserved respect and recognition, especially one who was elected to the highest office in the land. However, French rules are clear—anyone sentenced to prison for at least one year loses the right to hold the Legion of Honour.
Not the only one stripped of the title
Sarkozy joins a short and infamous list of people who have lost this honour. The only other French president to lose it was Philippe Pétain, who led the Vichy regime during World War II and worked with the Nazis. Other well-known names removed from the order include Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, and film producer Harvey Weinstein, who was found guilty of sexual abuse.
More legal trouble awaits Sarkozy
Sarkozy’s legal battles are far from over. He was also convicted of spending too much money during his failed 2012 re-election campaign. Now, he is on trial again—this time for allegedly accepting illegal campaign funds from Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Prosecutors believe Sarkozy took millions from Gaddafi, a charge he strongly denies.
The court will give its decision in September. Prosecutors have asked for a seven-year prison sentence if he’s found guilty.
