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Fmr Pres. Sarkozy Convicted Of Illegal Campaign Financing

FRANCE

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who sat in office for a single term 2007 to 2012, was convicted this morning of illegal campaign financing during his unsuccessful 2012 election campaign.

  • The case, known as the 'Bygmalion Affair' from the communications agency of the same name used to hide overrunning campaign expenses.
  • It is the second time Sarkozy has been convicted of criminal activities, with a court in March finding him guilty of corruption and influence peddling and sentencing him to three years in prison (suspended while his legal team appeals).
  • While Sarkozy has not played a notable role in the political sphere since his run for the centre-right Les Republicains (LR) presidential nomination in 2016, sustained headlines of his criminal trials could deal some reputational damage to LR by association. The party is already struggling to boost support ahead of next year's presidential election and frequent reminders of the centre-right's previous president (Sarkozy served under the UMP banner, which later became LR) and his activities is unlikely to improve the party's image.

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