Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy sentenced to 5 Years in Jail for Gaddafi funding scandal

This marks the first time in modern French history that a former head of state faces actual jail time, though Sarkozy plans to appeal, denouncing the verdict as a "political conspiracy."

The case stems from allegations that Sarkozy and his associates conspired to secure millions in illicit funds from Gaddafi to finance his successful 2007 presidential campaign. While the court found evidence of conspiracy, it acquitted him of direct corruption charges, noting insufficient proof that the money reached his campaign coffers. Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, has faced multiple legal battles, including a 2021 conviction for corruption and influence peddling (served via house arrest) and another for illegal 2012 campaign spending.

Born on January 28, 1955, in Paris to a Hungarian immigrant father and French mother, Sarkozy's early life was marked by his parents' 1959 divorce, leading him to spend time with his grandfather. An average student, he earned law degrees from Paris Nanterre University but failed to graduate from Sciences Po due to poor English skills.

Sarkozy's political rise began at 22 as Neuilly's city councilor, becoming its youngest mayor (1983-2002). He gained fame in 1993 for negotiating with a "human bomb" who hijacked a school. As finance minister in 2004, he implemented reforms before winning the presidency.

On the personal front, Sarkozy has been married three times: first to Marie-Dominique Culioli (1982-1996, two sons), then Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz (1996-2007, one son), and currently to Italian singer-model Carla Bruni since 2008 (one daughter). Reports suggest he proposed to Bruni shortly after their first meeting.

Despite the scandals, Sarkozy remains a polarizing figure in French politics. His appeal could delay imprisonment, but the verdict underscores ongoing scrutiny of political financing worldwide.