Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Ex-French president, Sarkozy’s trial over suspected Libyan funding wraps up

Mr Sarkozy faces charges of embezzlement of public funds, bribery and illegal campaign financing.

• April 8, 2025
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy
Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy

The trial of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy over allegedly garnering illegal campaign funds from Libya is set to conclude on Tuesday after three months.

The closing arguments from the 70-year-old’s defence lawyers are expected, with the verdict to be announced at a later date.

Mr Sarkozy faces charges of embezzlement of public funds, bribery and illegal campaign financing.

It is alleged that millions of euros from the regime of now-deceased Libyan ruler Moamer Gaddafi were funnelled into Mr Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign.

The conservative politician, who served as French president from 2007 to 2012, refuted the accusations.

According to the prosecution, however, there was an agreement with Gaddafi to finance Mr Sarkozy’s campaign.

The financial prosecutor’s office called for a seven-year prison sentence, a 300,000 euros (327,953 dollars) fine and the revocation of Mr Sarkozy’s voting rights for five years.

Mr Sarkozy has already been convicted in two other unrelated cases.

The case heavily relied on testimony from French-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine, who alleged that in late 2006 or early 2000.

He delivered several suitcases prepared by the Libyan regime containing millions of euros to the French Interior Ministry, then led by Mr Sarkozy.

In return, the then-isolated Libyan regime was allegedly promised lucrative deals with French companies and assistance in regaining international recognition.

The late Gaddafi was received with military honours at the Élysée Palace in December 2007.

But by 2011, the Libyan leader was toppled in part thanks to Mr Sarkozy.

(dpa/NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and President Mohammed bin Zaye

World

Israeli PM Netanyahu ignored UAE president’s warning of Hamas October 7 attack: Report

UAE warned Mr Netanyahu shortly before the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks that Hamas was planning a large-scale offensive against Israel.

Khalilur Rahman

World

UN General Assembly president pledges restoration of global trust

The incoming UN General Assembly president, Khalilur Rahman, has pledged to restore public trust in the institution amid war, humanitarian crises and intensifying climate change.

Burial of Ebola victims

Africa

Ebola deaths in DR Congo hit 3,200

Ebola virus continues to spread in the eastern provinces of the DRC, with more than 3,200 deaths reported, the UN said.

Education

NOUN appoints Ramatu Ibrahim as acting bursar

NOUN said Ms Ibrahim’s appointment took effect from Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and would remain in force until further notice.

States

Yayi can’t win Ogun election, he is Sulaimon Ogunleye from Ekiti: Wale Adedayo

Mr Adedayo alleged that Mr Adeola was originally Sulaimon Ogunleye from Ekiti State but now falsely claims Ogun State ancestry for political gains.

World

FG condemns fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

“Nigeria regards the fresh hostilities as a serious threat not only to the security and sovereignty of Saudi Arabia but also to regional stability in the Middle East,” he said.