French prosecutors have initiated a three-day summation in the trial concerning allegations that former President Nicolas Sarkozy received illegal funding for his 2007 presidential campaign from the regime of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi.

During the proceedings, prosecutors described the purported deal as an "indecent corruption pact," emphasizing the severity of the charges against Sarkozy and multiple co-defendants, including former ministers Claude Guéant and Brice Hortefeux.

The case opened in January 2025 and is anticipated to culminate on April 10. Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison sentence for Sarkozy in connection with accusations of passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, concealment of embezzlement of public funds, and criminal association.

In addition, they have requested a five-year ban on Sarkozy's civil rights, which would bar him from holding office.

Quentin Dandoy, one of the lead prosecutors, asserted that beneath Sarkozy's public persona lies the character of an individual driven by a "devouring personal ambition," prepared to sacrifice principles of integrity and truth for power.

The prosecution presented evidence they claim illustrates a conspiracy between Sarkozy and the Kadhafi regime, detailing alleged financial transfers totaling €5 million that were designed to support Sarkozy's successful electoral campaign.

Prosecutors have characterized the agreement as having been established in late 2005, facilitated through discussions in Tripoli by Sarkozy's close aides, including Guéant and Hortefeux.

They rejected the defense's claims that there was a lack of concrete evidence linking Sarkozy directly to the financial arrangements, asserting that the arrangements were deliberately structured to obscure his involvement.

The trial has included testimonies that criticized the explanations provided by the defendants as "extravagant" and a defensive tactic to divert condemnation away from Sarkozy.

Prosecutors have also highlighted a series of financial maneuvers indicating the alleged funneling of Libyan state funds into Sarkozy's campaign account, emphasizing the potential threat this poses to France's sovereignty and democratic integrity.

Throughout the proceedings, Sarkozy, maintaining his stance of innocence, has intermittently reacted physically to allegations made by prosecutors.

The former president's legal troubles were compounded by previous convictions for unrelated corruption charges, making this case particularly significant in the context of his political legacy.

The trial also encompasses a total of 12 co-defendants, including key politicians and business figures.

In recent hearings, in-depth discussions were held about the mechanics of the funding channels that supposedly funneled money from Libya through intermediaries, including Ziad Takieddine, who previously claimed to have delivered cash to Sarkozy's Interior Ministry.

Amidst these legal hurdles, Sarkozy has characterized the ongoing investigations and allegations as politically motivated.

If found guilty in the current charges, he would be the first former French president convicted of accepting foreign funds illegally to influence election outcomes.

The court's verdict is expected later this year.