Nicolas Sarkozy, former French president, walked into La Santé prison in Paris on Tuesday morning to begin a five-year sentence. The 70-year-old leader waved to supporters one last time as he shared a tearful goodbye with his wife, Carla Bruni. Crowds of onlookers watched silently as he entered the gates. This marked a historic moment. No former French president has been jailed in modern times.
Tearful Farewell With Carla Bruni
Before entering the car that would take him to La Santé, Sarkozy embraced Bruni. Their kiss lingered, filled with visible emotion. Supporters chanted his name outside their upscale Paris neighborhood.
Sarkozy’s son Louis, 28, had called for a public gathering in support of his father. Another son, Pierre, urged the crowd to show love and nothing else. The streets filled with people waving flags and chanting, “Nicolas, Nicolas,” as the former president left his home.
Sarkozy posted on social media before entering the prison. He called himself “an innocent man” and expressed sorrow for France. “I feel deep sorrow for France, which finds itself humiliated,” he wrote. “The truth will triumph, but the price will be crushing.”
Arrival at La Santé Prison
At La Santé, inmates reportedly shouted greetings: “Welcome, Sarkozy!” and “Sarkozy’s here!” He entered a solitary cell in the prison’s isolation wing. The cell measures about nine square meters and includes a private shower. He can watch TV for 14 euros a month and use a landline telephone.
Sarkozy will exercise alone twice a day in a designated yard. He will also have access to an activities room, but only by himself. Sebastien Cauwel, head of La Santé, confirmed these arrangements. “He will be alone in the yard and the activities room. Security is a priority,” Cauwel told RTL Radio.
Sarkozy told reporters he brought three books to pass the time. These include Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. This book is a story about wrongful imprisonment and revenge.
Legal Background of the Case
Sarkozy’s conviction stems from his 2007 presidential campaign. French authorities said he conspired with close aides to secure millions in cash from Libya’s late leader, Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy denied personally taking the money. He appealed the conviction but must start his sentence immediately.
His legal team filed a request for provisional release to reduce time in prison. Lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois said they will fight to get him out “as quickly as possible.” He also prepared Sarkozy for the conditions in La Santé. “We gave him pullovers for the cold and earplugs for the noise,” Darrois said.
Sarkozy already served a separate sentence for corruption. That case involved trying to get confidential information from a judge in exchange for favors. He served that term under an electronic ankle tag.
First Former President Jailed Since World War Two
Sarkozy’s imprisonment makes him the first former French leader jailed since Marshal Philippe Petain after World War Two. The ruling shocked many political allies and far-right supporters. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized the move, calling it politically motivated.
Despite this, French courts have increased “provisional execution” orders. Judges now require some white-collar criminals to start serving sentences immediately, even during appeals. Legal experts say the change aims to combat impunity for powerful figures.
Official Reactions and Support
President Emmanuel Macron met with Sarkozy at the Élysée Palace before his incarceration. Macron described it as a human gesture. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, close to Sarkozy, announced he would visit the prison to ensure safety and proper treatment.
Sarkozy’s sons and supporters emphasized the human side of the moment. “Show love. Nothing else,” Pierre Sarkozy urged. Outside the prison, crowds waved, and supporters held up signs calling for justice and fairness.
Life Behind Bars
La Santé has a notorious history, housing figures like Carlos the Jackal and Manuel Noriega. Sarkozy will live in a single cell, isolated during outdoor time. The cell measures 100 to 130 square feet and was recently renovated.
He can watch television, make phone calls, and access an activities room. Guards will ensure he remains secure. Sarkozy faces a challenging adjustment to life in confinement.
Public Opinion
Polls show mixed reactions in France. An Elabe survey for BFM TV indicated 58% of respondents believed the verdict was fair. Sixty-one percent supported immediate incarceration despite the appeal process.
Political opponents, especially on the far right, condemned the decision. Supporters argue that justice is being served, while critics see the sentence as a political attack.
Sarkozy’s Personal Statement
Sarkozy told La Tribune Dimanche, “I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll keep my head held high, even at the gates.” He expressed hope that the truth would eventually prevail. He also extended empathy to the French people. “My thoughts go out to all walks of life and opinions. This is not a president being locked up. This is an innocent man,” he wrote.
Sarkozy’s determination remains clear. He plans to use the time to reflect, read, and perhaps write. The Count of Monte Cristo will accompany him as he navigates life behind bars.
Looking Ahead
Sarkozy’s sentence and appeal will continue to dominate headlines. He remains a significant figure in French politics. Legal experts say his case marks a turning point in the prosecution of political corruption.
The next few months will determine the impact of Sarkozy’s imprisonment on his legacy. It may alter it or reinforce it as a cautionary tale of power and accountability. For now, the streets of Paris remember the image of a former president saying goodbye to his wife. He stood tall and entered prison under the watchful eyes of the nation.
Key Facts About Sarkozy’s Sentence
- Former president, 70 years old.
- Convicted for criminal conspiracy during 2007 campaign.
- Serving five years at La Santé prison in Paris.
- Will stay in solitary confinement, nine square meters.
- Has access to TV and landline phone.
- Allowed two daily outdoor exercises and private activity room access.
- Brought books, including The Count of Monte Cristo.
- Legal team filed for provisional release.
- First former French president jailed since World War Two.
Quotes
- “I’m not afraid of prison. I’ll keep my head held high, including at the prison gates.” – Nicolas Sarkozy
- “We gave him pullovers for the cold and earplugs for the noise.” – Lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois
- “He will be alone in the yard and the activities room. Security is a priority.” – Sebastien Cauwel, La Santé prison head
- “Show love. Nothing else.” – Pierre Sarkozy
