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As he arrived at the Parisian detention facility on Tuesday, Nicolas Sarkozy shared a statement overflowing with opposition via social media, stating, "It's not a ex-leader of the republic facing incarceration today, but rather an wrongfully accused individual." A court of appeal will in time give its view the veracity of his claim. Yet sadly for Mr Sarkozy, the drama and significance of his downfall cannot simply be wished away.

The Legal Judgment

The French head of state during the 2007-2012 term, Mr Sarkozy was convicted of unlawful plotting to obtain illegal financing from the regime of the deceased Libyan leader, the Libyan strongman. Handed a half-decade incarceration, he has emerged as the initial ex-head of an EU member state to enter prison, and the initial French president since the disgraced head of wartime France, Philippe Pétain. Within a nation where the democratically selected head of state possesses a almost king-like position, Tuesday's remarkable event was a historic occasion.

Public Trust and Legal Accountability

During a period when confidence in political systems in France has plummeted to the point where warning signs are evident, it was also a instructive example that the law applies to all. According to a survey released recently, over 65% of those surveyed said that they believed a large number of politicians were corrupt, and nearly nine out of 10 claimed that many acted mainly out of self-interest. In sentencing Mr Sarkozy and mandating that his incarceration should start immediately, the presiding magistrate, the judge, noted that she considered both the exceptionally grave nature of the offences and the fact that they were "likely to undermine citizens' trust."

Legal Challenges

Such reflections might be considered unexceptional, particularly since that Mr Sarkozy has before been found guilty in distinct bribery proceedings. However the Sarkozy trial and its fallout have troublingly exposed the extent to which within the nation, as in various states, the legal system is jeopardized by a newly fashionable contempt for the judiciary and the attempted manipulation of the popular view.

Following a populist playbook, an comprehensive and precise legal process has been baselessly portrayed by the former president's allies as a legal conspiracy and leftwing vendetta. Following the ruling in September, the former president effectively denounced his punishment as unlawful and decried the "animosity" with "no boundaries" that allegedly motivated it. As prominent officials and advocates from the traditional and radical have saturated public discourse and conservative press with the identical arguments, the judicial figure has received numerous death threats.

Citizen Reaction

Hearteningly, the population seems unconvinced. A survey after the ruling found clear majorities supporting both the proceedings of the courtroom process and his sentencing. Yet the turmoil, and the obvious try to undermine the reputation of the judicial system, was most probably only a preliminary test. In January, Marine Le Pen's legal challenge against a judgment for embezzlement of political funds will be heard. If unsuccessful, the conservative figure will be excluded from competing in the upcoming election.

Coming Consequences

Across a fragmented and doubtful society, that will be a dangerous time for the national legal system to handle. The former president may yet be released ahead of his next legal challenge, following a request by his lawyers. Yet the irresponsible and baseless attacks on the judicial framework throughout his proceedings have created a negative standard.