French prosecutors have requested that former French President Nicolas Sarkozy be sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with the alleged illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign using funds from Muammar Gaddafi’s Libya.
The request was made during appeal proceedings at a Paris court. In addition to the custodial sentence, prosecutors are seeking a fine of €300,000 and a five-year ban on holding public office.
Prosecutors characterized Sarkozy’s actions as a “corrupt pact at the highest level with a dictator.” He faces charges of criminal association, corruption, illegal campaign financing, and concealment of the embezzlement of Libyan state funds.
In September 2025, Sarkozy was already found guilty of criminal association and sentenced to five years in prison. He became the first former French president to serve time behind bars — spending 20 days in La Santé prison — before being released pending appeal.
Sarkozy categorically denies all charges, describing them as politically motivated. His lawyers intend to continue his defense in court.
A final verdict on the appeal has not yet been handed down. The court’s decision is expected in the coming weeks or months.