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While he made his way at the Parisian detention facility on Tuesday, the former French leader shared a statement overflowing with resistance via social media, writing, "It's not a ex-leader of the nation entering prison this morning, but rather an wrongfully accused individual." The appeals judiciary is set to decide regarding the truthfulness of his claim. But unfortunately for the ex-president, the spectacle and impact of his fall cannot be ignored.

The Conviction

President of France between 2007 and 2012, the former president was found guilty of criminal conspiracy to acquire prohibited donations from the regime of the late Libyan dictator, Muammar Gaddafi. Sentenced to a five-year prison term, he has been recorded as the first former leader of an EU country to enter prison, and the earliest French head of state since the shamed head of Vichy France, the Vichy leader. Within a nation where the elected president possesses a near-royal standing, the recent remarkable event was a historic occasion.

Citizen Confidence and Legal Consequences

In an era when faith in political institutions in France has collapsed to the point where warning signs are evident, it was also a sobering reminder that everyone is subject to the law. As per a study published on Tuesday, a majority of participants said that they thought a majority of government figures were dishonest, and the vast majority claimed that many acted mainly out of individual benefit. When convicting the former president and directing that his prison term should start immediately, the judge, the judicial authority, said that she factored in both the profoundly severe aspect of the offences and the fact that they were "could damage public confidence."

Courtroom Struggles

Such reflections might be considered unexceptional, especially given that Mr Sarkozy has in the past been found guilty in other graft trials. However the Sarkozy trial and its aftermath have alarmingly revealed the scope to which across the country, as in various states, the judicial framework is threatened by a newly fashionable disrespect toward legal institutions and the try to influence of the popular view.

Following a populist playbook, an comprehensive and precise court case has been groundlessly presented by Mr Sarkozy's supporters as a judicial plot and leftwing vendetta. Subsequent to the decision in September, the ex-leader openly condemned his punishment as invalid and condemned the "hostility" with "no restraints" that reportedly inspired it. As senior politicians and supporters from the right and far right have saturated public discourse and conservative press with the similar rhetoric, the judge has received multiple threats.

Citizen Reaction

Reassuringly, the public largely rejects this narrative. A survey after the ruling found significant majorities supporting both the conduct of the courtroom process and his conviction. However the turmoil, and the naked attempt to undermine the reputation of the judicial system, was very likely just a trial run. In January, the National Rally figure's appeal against a judgment for embezzlement of political funds will be heard. Should she lose it, the political candidate will be excluded from competing in the future campaign.

Long-term Effects

In a polarised and mistrustful nation, that will be a perilous moment for the French judiciary to manage. Mr Sarkozy could still be freed before his own appeal, after an application by his lawyers. Yet the unfounded and damaging assaults on the legal system throughout his case have established a harmful example.