Overview

• Sarkozy announced an appeal, but the exécution provisoire ruling means the prison term cannot be suspended pending review.
• He is scheduled to be told on 13 October when he must begin serving the sentence.
• Reactions split the political field, with conservatives voicing solidarity and left‑wing figures responding with ridicule.
• Former adviser Henri Guaino urged President Emmanuel Macron to grant at least a partial pardon.
• The verdict follows Sarkozy’s 2024 conviction for attempted bribery and comes as other investigations, including into alleged Qatar World Cup influence and a Reso‑Garantia lobbying deal, remain open.