PARIS – «The acquittal of Nicolas Sarkozy only strengthened his image among the most radical right-wing circles, but did not change the balance of French politics» he commented Yves Menypolitical scientist among the leading experts on European democratic systems. For the former president of the European University Institute of Fiesole, Sarkozy’s case is part of a wider trend. “Ten or fifteen years ago, the French judiciary would never have dared to go this far against prominent figures. Today countervailing forces have strengthened, but we are seeing the opposite, from the United States when Trump came to power to Europe.”
What is the legal case that strengthens Sarkozy’s popularity?
“Partly yes, but only among the right wing, and most importantly its most radical component. This will have no real political consequences. I don’t think Sarkozy wants to run again and his chances of being elected are very small. The image of the victim carries little weight. The risk is to fuel populism. The story of Sarkozy’s trial and prison strengthens the radical right wing, which attacks a “politicized” judiciary.
What do you think about the first instance verdict?
“The sentence is fragile. I don’t think Sarkozy is completely clean in his attempts at corruption with the Libyan regime, but the court acknowledged that there was no direct evidence. Convicting someone without solid evidence is problematic. The decision to immediately imprison is even more complicated. Pre-trial detention usually concerns people who are dangerous or at risk of flight. There are no credible conditions in his case.”
Even Marine Le Pen got into open clashes with the jury. Are there any similarities to the Mani Pulite era in Italy?
“Ten or fifteen years ago, the judiciary would never have dared to go this far against prominent political figures. Today this is happening, and not only in France. It is a phenomenon that affects all Western democracies. In the United States, the legal disputes around Trump are visible and almost brutally violent. But even in Europe, the relationship between the powers and the counter-powers has become conflictual. I am certainly thinking of Italy and also Hungary. Over the last fifteen or twenty years, the counter-powers have become increasingly strong. This is a sign of the health of democracy that well. Today we witness the opposite turning point.”
What is Sarkozy’s role in France today?
“He is no longer running for the Elysée, but he remains influential. However, his interventions have been more divisive than unifying. Sarkozy’s institutional career is over but he retains his strong personal popularity.”
