"Corruption in French politics is nothing new: Jacques Chirac was convicted of corruption while mayor of Paris in the 1970s, and Sarkozy's own prime minister, Francois Fillon (in office from 2007 to 2012) saw his presidential election campaign fall apart in 2017 over allegations of employing his family using public money. It is, however, the scale and egregiousness of Sarkozy's corruption that mark his case out most starkly."
"Not only did Sarkozy gain the nickname President Bling-Bling for his ostentatious lifestyle while occupying the Elysee Palace, but his acceptance of funds from Muammar Gaddafi was surely a new low for French politics. As you point out, the politician most likely to be the next president of France, the far-right leader Marine Le Pen, is herself awaiting the outcome of an appeal, also related to corruption."
Nathalie Gavarino, the judge who presided over Nicolas Sarkozy's trial, has faced horrific abuse. Corruption in French politics has precedents such as Jacques Chirac's conviction as Paris mayor and Francois Fillon's campaign collapse over allegations of employing family with public money. Sarkozy's case stands out for its scale and egregiousness, including an ostentatious Elysee lifestyle and alleged acceptance of funds from Muammar Gaddafi. Marine Le Pen awaits an appeal outcome on a separate corruption-related case. Sarkozy's imprisonment has public approval, yet he retains two police bodyguards in jail. Political stalemate in the national assembly and further corruption risks undermine confidence before 2027.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]