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Nicolas Sarkozy returned to the Paris Court of Appeal this week for the final hearings in the high-profile case over alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. The 71-year-old former French president again rejected accusations that he sought funds from Muammar Gaddafi's regime, telling the court there was "not a single cent of Libyan money" in his campaign.

Sarkozy became the first former president in modern French history to spend time in jail over the affair, serving 20 days of a five-year sentence before being released pending appeal. The lower court in September 2025 found him guilty of seeking illicit funding from Libya but did not conclude that he received or used such funds.

Coverage comparison

Africa News and France 24 — English both report on the proceedings, with Africa News emphasizing Sarkozy's categorical denial and the procedural aspects of the trial. France 24 provides a more detailed account of the conflict between Sarkozy and his former aide Claude Guéant, describing a breakdown of their previously united front.

According to France 24, Guéant, who served as Sarkozy's chief of staff, secretary-general, and later interior minister, was excused from attending court due to health issues. The 81-year-old learned in March that Sarkozy had questioned his integrity at the appeal court, suggesting his former right-hand man may have been motivated by personal financial gain. Guéant responded in April with statements contradicting his former boss, insisting he did nothing more than "follow instructions" given by Sarkozy.

Africa News focuses on the testimony of relatives of victims of the 1989 UTA Flight 772 bombing, who addressed the court. Sarkozy said he could only respond to their "indescribable suffering with truth," insisting he never made promises to Abdallah Senussi, Gaddafi's former intelligence chief linked to the attacks.

Key claims

  • Sarkozy denies any Libyan money in his 2007 campaign, a position he has maintained since the case emerged.
  • The lower court found him guilty of seeking illicit funding but did not establish that he received or used such funds.
  • Prosecutors argued that Sarkozy's aides negotiated with Gaddafi's entourage in exchange for helping restore the Libyan leader's international standing.
  • Relatives of UTA Flight 772 bombing victims testified in April, with Sarkozy expressing sympathy for their suffering.
  • Sarkozy denied making promises to Abdallah Senussi.
  • Sarkozy reminded the court that France, under his leadership, played a central role in the 2011 military intervention against Gaddafi.
  • The appeal trial is scheduled to run until June 3, with a ruling expected later in the year. France 24 reports the verdict may come in November.
  • If convicted, Sarkozy faces up to 10 years in prison.
  • Sarkozy holds two definitive convictions in separate cases.
  • Guéant, now 81 and excused from proceedings for health reasons, claims he 'followed instructions' from Sarkozy.
  • Guéant had a secret meeting with Senoussi on October 1, 2005, which prosecutors believe marked the first act of a 'corruption pact'.
  • Guéant claims Sarkozy 'must have known' about his four trips to Libya between 2008 and 2010, as they were carried out 'at his request'.

Perspectives

Sarkozy's defense

Sarkozy maintains his innocence, denying any Libyan financing and portraying himself as having acted in France's interest, including the 2011 military intervention against Gaddafi. He questions Guéant's motives, suggesting potential personal financial gain.

Guéant's account

Guéant, through his statements and lawyer, maintains he only followed orders from Sarkozy, contradicting his former boss's account of key events. His lawyer said Sarkozy's remarks caused "great harm to his morale."

Prosecution's case

Prosecutors allege a corruption pact initiated with a secret 2005 meeting between Guéant and Senoussi, with negotiations for political funding in exchange for diplomatic and economic favors, including a review of Senoussi's conviction.