Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was jailed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, becoming the first former head of an European Union state to be incarcerated. The 70-year-old was sentenced to five years in prison for criminal conspiracy over a plan for late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi to fund his 2007 electoral campaign. As Sarkozy arrived at La Santé Prison in Paris, prisoners shouted “Welcome Sarkozy!” and “Sarkozy’s here!” from their cells.
Sarkozy has maintained his innocence, stating “It is not a former president of the republic being jailed this morning, but an innocent man.” He added, “I have no doubt. The truth will prevail.” Despite his conviction, Sarkozy enjoys support from his political allies, including President Emmanuel Macron, who described meeting Sarkozy as “normal on a human level.” Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni, has also stood by him, writing on Instagram, “Love is the answer” with the hashtag “#Hatewillnotwin”.
Sarkozy is likely to be held in solitary confinement to avoid contact with other prisoners. He will be allowed out of his cell for one walk a day, alone, in a small yard, and will have access to visits three times a week. Sarkozy’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, has filed a request for his release pending an appeal, but Sarkozy is expected to spend at least three weeks to a month behind bars.
