Paris court to review Nicolas Sarkozy's request to merge sentences in graft case
France 24 Europe
by FRANCE 24February 23, 2026
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A Paris criminal court is set to review former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's request to merge sentences from two separate corruption cases. Sarkozy, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, has faced numerous legal challenges since leaving office, including convictions for graft and illegal campaign financing. His lawyer described the request as a routine procedural step in such cases.
Sarkozy's legal troubles include the "Bismuth" case, where he was convicted of attempting to influence a judge and served a sentence with an electronic ankle monitor. In the "Bygmalion" case, France's highest court upheld a six-month custodial sentence for illegal financing related to his 2012 re-election campaign. Sarkozy is now asking that this six-month term be considered equivalent to the electronic monitoring he completed in the previous case.
The request hinges on meeting specific criteria, such as the sentences being of the same nature and having no remaining legal appeals. If approved, it could simplify his criminal history but does not reduce his guilt or alter the convictions themselves. Sarkozy will also appear in court again in March to appeal another case involving alleged Libyan funding for his earlier election campaign.
This ongoing legal saga highlights the challenges former leaders face when subjected to rigorous scrutiny and accountability. While Sarkozy's cases are deeply rooted in French law, they reflect broader concerns about political corruption and the need for transparency in public office globally. As one of France's most high-profile political figures, his legal battles continue to draw significant attention worldwide.
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/23/2026