PARIS (Realist English). Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been convicted of criminal conspiracy in a landmark corruption case over allegations that he accepted millions of euros from Libyan leader Muammer Gaddafi to fund his 2007 election campaign.
Judges at the Paris criminal court on Thursday acquitted Sarkozy of more serious charges, including illegal campaign financing and embezzlement, citing insufficient evidence that Libyan funds were ultimately used in his campaign. The sentence will be announced later in the day, though it is expected to be lighter than the seven years in prison, €300,000 fine, and five-year political ban sought by prosecutors.
Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, denies wrongdoing and is expected to appeal. Prosecutors also retain the right to appeal.
In court, lead judge Nathalie Gavarino said Sarkozy had allowed aides and supporters to solicit financial support from Libyan authorities on his behalf during the 2007 campaign. However, she noted that the panel could not establish a direct link between Libyan money and campaign spending.
Two of Sarkozy’s closest aides were also convicted on related charges.
The ruling adds to Sarkozy’s growing legal troubles. In December, he was convicted on appeal of attempting to bribe a judge in a separate case and is currently serving a one-year sentence under house arrest with an electronic bracelet. He also faces an ongoing appeal over illegal campaign financing tied to his party, UMP.
Despite the convictions, Sarkozy remains a prominent figure in France’s conservative politics and retains influence among older right-leaning voters. Amid political instability that has forced out two prime ministers in a year, Sarkozy recently urged early elections to resolve the deadlock in parliament.
New Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu met Sarkozy earlier this month during consultations with political leaders and unions on forming a durable government.