Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, 69, is currently on trial in Paris, accused of accepting illicit funds from the late Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi, to finance his 2007 presidential campaign. The case, which has captivated public attention, dates back to an investigation launched in 2013, two years after Saif al-Islam, Gaddafi’s son, accused Sarkozy of receiving millions of euros from his father to secure his election victory.
Prosecutors allege that in exchange for the substantial campaign donations, Sarkozy promised to aid Gaddafi in improving his standing with Western countries, which had largely isolated the Libyan regime at the time. The accused former president has consistently denied these charges, claiming that they are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by individuals seeking to discredit him.
The controversy deepened in 2014 when Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, known for acting as a middleman between France and the Middle East, claimed to have written proof that Sarkozy’s campaign was “abundantly” financed by the Libyan regime. Takieddine further alleged that the €50 million in payments continued even after Sarkozy took office as president.
Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, is not alone in facing trial. Twelve other individuals, accused of being involved in the illicit funding arrangement, are also standing trial, all of whom deny the charges. Among them is Sarkozy’s wife, former model and singer Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who faces accusations of hiding evidence and complicity in fraud—charges she firmly denies.
This trial adds to a long list of legal challenges faced by Sarkozy since losing his re-election bid in 2012. In 2021, he became the first former French president to be sentenced to prison for attempting to bribe a judge. Despite his legal troubles, Sarkozy has remained vocal in his defense, with his trial expected to continue until April 10, 2025. If found guilty of the Gaddafi-related charges, he could face up to 10 years in prison.
