Nicolas Sarkozy Excluded from the Legion of Honor Following Corruption Conviction
The former French president faces automatic removal from distinctions after a definitive prison sentence for corruption.
Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France from 2007 to 2012, has been excluded from the prestigious Legion of Honor following his definitive conviction for corruption linked to the so-called "wiretapping case." This exclusion, detailed in a government decree published on June 16, 2025, marks a rare disciplinary action against a former head of state in France.
Sarkozy's conviction includes a prison sentence of one year, with one year served in custody.
The court found that he had attempted to corrupt a magistrate from the Court of Cassation, Gilbert Azibert, in 2014, seeking confidential information in a case against him, aided by his lawyer Thierry Herzog.
All three were sentenced to three years in prison, of which one year is firm.
The exclusion was anticipated following the dismissal of Sarkozy's appeal by the Court of Cassation in December 2024, which made his conviction final.
Under French law, such an exclusion from the Legion of Honor is automatic for individuals sentenced to a total prison term of one year or more for a crime.
The Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor, General François Lecointre, emphasized that the withdrawal of honors in such cases is a legal standard.
Sarkozy is now the second French president to have his honors rescinded, following Marshal Pétain, who lost his due to treason and collusion with the enemy in 1945.
In a statement through his lawyer, Patrice Spinosi, Sarkozy acknowledged the decision but indicated that he has not viewed the matter as personal.
Sarkozy has also filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights, aiming for the annulment of his conviction and the subsequent exclusion.
Political reactions have emerged in the wake of the decision.
Emmanuel Macron, the current French president, previously expressed hesitance regarding the potential removal of Sarkozy's honors, stating that he felt it would not be a wise decision.
However, his comments did not influence the legal proceedings, as the exclusion is dictated by law.
Supporters of Sarkozy have publicly condemned the action, drawing parallels to Pétain's case, which they consider inappropriate.
Sophie Primas, a spokesperson for the government, termed the comparison "indecent," while Othman Nasrou, the secretary general of the right-wing party Les Républicains, criticized the action as a shameful result of the legal framework.
In contrast, some figures from the left have welcomed the decision, arguing that it reflects the principle of equality before the law.
LFI Deputy Manuel Bompard remarked on public discomfort with the idea of different legal treatment based on social status.
Following the decree, Gilbert Azibert and Thierry Herzog also faced exclusions from the Legion of Honor as co-defendants in the same case.
Separately, Sarkozy continues to confront legal issues, including allegations regarding the financing of his 2007 presidential campaign tied to Libya, with a verdict expected by the end of September 2025.
Sarkozy's conviction includes a prison sentence of one year, with one year served in custody.
The court found that he had attempted to corrupt a magistrate from the Court of Cassation, Gilbert Azibert, in 2014, seeking confidential information in a case against him, aided by his lawyer Thierry Herzog.
All three were sentenced to three years in prison, of which one year is firm.
The exclusion was anticipated following the dismissal of Sarkozy's appeal by the Court of Cassation in December 2024, which made his conviction final.
Under French law, such an exclusion from the Legion of Honor is automatic for individuals sentenced to a total prison term of one year or more for a crime.
The Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor, General François Lecointre, emphasized that the withdrawal of honors in such cases is a legal standard.
Sarkozy is now the second French president to have his honors rescinded, following Marshal Pétain, who lost his due to treason and collusion with the enemy in 1945.
In a statement through his lawyer, Patrice Spinosi, Sarkozy acknowledged the decision but indicated that he has not viewed the matter as personal.
Sarkozy has also filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights, aiming for the annulment of his conviction and the subsequent exclusion.
Political reactions have emerged in the wake of the decision.
Emmanuel Macron, the current French president, previously expressed hesitance regarding the potential removal of Sarkozy's honors, stating that he felt it would not be a wise decision.
However, his comments did not influence the legal proceedings, as the exclusion is dictated by law.
Supporters of Sarkozy have publicly condemned the action, drawing parallels to Pétain's case, which they consider inappropriate.
Sophie Primas, a spokesperson for the government, termed the comparison "indecent," while Othman Nasrou, the secretary general of the right-wing party Les Républicains, criticized the action as a shameful result of the legal framework.
In contrast, some figures from the left have welcomed the decision, arguing that it reflects the principle of equality before the law.
LFI Deputy Manuel Bompard remarked on public discomfort with the idea of different legal treatment based on social status.
Following the decree, Gilbert Azibert and Thierry Herzog also faced exclusions from the Legion of Honor as co-defendants in the same case.
Separately, Sarkozy continues to confront legal issues, including allegations regarding the financing of his 2007 presidential campaign tied to Libya, with a verdict expected by the end of September 2025.
