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Macron Declines to Strip Sarkozy of Légion d’honneur Despite Corruption Conviction

The French president emphasizes respect for former heads of state, overriding calls for Sarkozy's removal under the Légion d’honneur code.

Emmanuel Macron, grand maître de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur, a indiqué jeudi 24 avril 2025 qu’il « ne prendra aucune décision » de retrait de cette décoration à son prédécesseur Nicolas Sarkozy malgré sa condamnation par la justice.
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Overview

  • President Emmanuel Macron confirmed he will not sign the decree required to revoke Nicolas Sarkozy’s Légion d’honneur, citing the importance of respecting former presidents.
  • Sarkozy was definitively convicted in December 2024 of corruption and sentenced to three years in prison, including one year firm, in the 'écoutes' affair.
  • The Grand Chancellor of the Légion d’honneur, François Lecointre, argued that Sarkozy’s exclusion was automatic under Article R91 of the code, which mandates removal for certain convictions.
  • Macron invoked Article R106, which requires a presidential decree for removal, asserting his discretionary authority as Grand Master of the order.
  • This decision contrasts with Macron’s past actions, including stripping Claude Guéant and Bashar al-Assad of their honors, and has reignited debates over legal obligations versus presidential prerogative.