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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under formal investigation for active corruption and undue influence, following allegations that he promised favours to a high magistrate in exchange for information regarding another investigation in which he was implicated. Sarkozy launched a counterattack during a televised interview on 2 July, presenting himself as a victim of “political manipulation of part of the justice system”, a “refrain” that “no one can seriously believe” according to left-wing Libération —
On the contrary, the former president is now attacking an independent justice system. […] This ridiculous argument demonstrates once again the former head of state’s contempt for legal institutions, but above all reveals the weakness of the arguments he offers in his defence. In regards to the serious allegations of active corruption […] Nicolas Sarkozy has not given a sole concrete response.
If the case goes to trial, active corruption could be punished by ten years in prison and, writes Libération, a penalty of ineligibility “that would bar the route to Sarkozy’s possible return for the presidential election of 2017”.
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