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While he was transported at the Parisian detention facility on Tuesday, Nicolas Sarkozy shared a statement filled with defiance via social media, stating, "This isn't a ex-leader of the nation facing incarceration today, but rather an wrongfully accused individual." The appeals judiciary is set to decide regarding the truthfulness of this assertion. However, regrettably for Mr Sarkozy, the turmoil and impact of his decline cannot be dismissed.

The Conviction

President of France between 2007 and 2012, the former president was judged culpable of criminal conspiracy to acquire illicit campaign funds from the administration of the deceased Libyan leader, Colonel Gaddafi. Sentenced to a five-year prison term, he has become the first former leader of an EU country to go behind bars, and the earliest French head of state since the disgraced head of the Vichy regime, the Vichy leader. In a country where the democratically selected head of state possesses a quasi-monarchical status, the recent extraordinary spectacle was a defining instance.

Public Trust and Judicial Responsibility

At a time when trust in government bodies in France has collapsed to the extent where warning signs are evident, it was also a instructive example that the law applies to all. In a poll published this week, a majority of participants stated that they believed a large number of elected officials were corrupt, and nearly nine out of 10 said that most operated primarily out of self-interest. While judging the former president and directing that his prison term should begin without delay, the court official, the judicial authority, noted that she factored in both the extremely serious character of the offences and the fact that they were "potentially erode the people's faith."

Courtroom Struggles

These considerations might be seen as ordinary, particularly since that Mr Sarkozy has previously been found guilty in distinct bribery proceedings. Yet the former president's case and its aftermath have troublingly exposed the degree to which within the nation, as in other countries, the legal system is endangered by a newly fashionable contempt for the judiciary and the try to influence of public opinion.

Using divisive tactics, an exhaustive and meticulous court case has been baselessly portrayed by Mr Sarkozy's supporters as a judicial plot and political retaliation. Subsequent to the decision recently, the ex-leader openly condemned his judgment as unlawful and censured the "hatred" with "no restraints" that supposedly drove it. While senior politicians and advocates from the conservative and extremist have filled the airwaves and traditional outlets with the similar rhetoric, the judicial figure has been subjected to numerous death threats.

Public Response

Encouragingly, the public seems unconvinced. A post-verdict poll found clear majorities supporting both the proceedings of the courtroom process and his sentencing. But the turmoil, and the naked attempt to damage the credibility of the court system, was very likely merely a dress rehearsal. Next year, the National Rally figure's legal challenge against a conviction for embezzlement of political funds will take place. If unsuccessful, the political candidate will be ruled out from competing in the future campaign.

Coming Consequences

In a polarised and mistrustful nation, that will be a risky period for the French judiciary to handle. Mr Sarkozy might eventually exit ahead of his next legal challenge, subsequent to a petition by his lawyers. However the reckless and unfounded criticisms on the judicial framework at all stages of his trial have created a negative standard.