Overview

• Decree published on June 15 enforces the Legion of Honor code that automatically revokes the distinction from recipients sentenced to at least one year in prison.
• Sarkozy’s graft conviction was upheld by an appeals court last December and replaced by a one-year electronic ankle bracelet sentence that ended earlier this month.
• He becomes the second French head of state to lose the Legion of Honor after World War II leader Philippe Pétain.
• President Emmanuel Macron had opposed the revocation, arguing that former presidents deserve respect.
• Sarkozy is also on trial for alleged illegal campaign financing from Muammar Gaddafi, with a verdict expected in September.