France’s Top Court Upholds Sarkozy’s 2012 Campaign-Finance Conviction

Overview

• The Court of Cassation rejected Nicolas Sarkozy’s final appeal, confirming his 2024 appellate conviction in the Bygmalion case.
• The sentence stands at 12 months, including six months of mandatory custody, with the remainder eligible for alternative execution such as electronic monitoring.
• Investigations found a double‑invoicing scheme using Bygmalion and Event & Cie to mask spending that nearly doubled the €22.5 million legal cap, with campaign costs reaching about €42.7 million.
• Sarkozy’s lawyers said he takes note of the ruling and are considering an application to the European Court of Human Rights.
• The ruling adds to his mounting legal exposure, including a separate five‑year sentence tied to alleged Libyan funding that led to about 20 days in La Santé prison before conditional release, with further appellate hearings scheduled between March 16 and June 3.