France’s Highest Court Hears Sarkozy Appeal in ‘Bygmalion’ Campaign Finance Case
PARIS – France’s Court of Cassation on October 8 examined the appeal of former President Nicolas Sarkozy regarding his conviction for illegal campaign financing in the “Bygmalion” affair, stemming from his 2012 presidential bid. The case centers on allegations that Sarkozy’s campaign team used a communications agency to circumvent legal spending limits.
The appeal follows a february 2024 ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal that upheld Sarkozy’s conviction. This latest legal challenge comes just weeks after Sarkozy publicly denounced the judicial system following a separate five-year prison sentence – currently under appeal – related to the financing of his 2007 campaign. The Court of Cassation will deliver its decision on November 26.
The “Bygmalion” scandal involves accusations that the communications agency of the same name assisted Sarkozy’s team in disguising campaign overspending by inflating invoices sent to his party, the Union for a Popular Movement (now The Republicans). The agency allegedly billed for services exceeding their actual value or fabricated agreements altogether.
Alongside Sarkozy, three other convicted individuals have appealed their sentences: Guillaume Lambert, Sarkozy’s former campaign director; and two former UMP executives, Eric Cesari and Pierre Chassat. The hearing took place amidst a tense atmosphere, with a lawyer for Sarkozy stating, “Nicolas Sarkozy aspires to justice,” prompting a reaction from observers in the courtroom.
