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As he made his way at La Santé prison this week, the former French leader shared a message overflowing with resistance on X, writing, "This isn't a ex-leader of the republic entering prison this morning, but rather an innocent man." The appeals judiciary will in time give its view the truthfulness of that statement. Yet sadly for the ex-president, the spectacle and importance of his downfall cannot be ignored.

The Conviction

France's leader between 2007 and 2012, Mr Sarkozy was judged culpable of unlawful plotting to acquire illegal financing from the regime of the late Libyan dictator, Colonel Gaddafi. Sentenced to a five-year prison term, he has been recorded as the first former leader of an EU member state to be imprisoned, and the initial French president since the dishonored head of the Vichy regime, the Vichy leader. In a country where the democratically selected head of state enjoys a almost king-like position, the recent remarkable event was a historic occasion.

National Faith and Legal Accountability

In an era when confidence in political systems in France has plummeted to the degree where warning signs are evident, it was also a salutary demonstration that no one is above the law. According to a survey released on Tuesday, over 65% of those surveyed stated that they felt a majority of government figures were unethical, and the vast majority claimed that most behaved predominantly out of personal gain. While judging Mr Sarkozy and directing that his incarceration should begin without delay, the judge, the judicial authority, said that she took into account both the exceptionally grave nature of the crimes and the fact that they were "potentially erode the people's faith."

Judicial Threats

Those thoughts might be seen as ordinary, notably because that Mr Sarkozy has before been found guilty in separate corruption cases. But the former president's case and its consequences have disturbingly laid bare the degree to which across the country, as in various states, the rule of law is jeopardized by a newly fashionable contempt for the judiciary and the effort to control of the popular view.

Using divisive tactics, an comprehensive and precise judicial procedure has been falsely depicted by Mr Sarkozy's supporters as a judicial plot and ideological revenge. After the verdict recently, the ex-leader publicly criticized his judgment as unlawful and censured the "hatred" with "no boundaries" that supposedly drove it. Since prominent officials and advocates from the traditional and radical have dominated media discussions and conservative press with the same talking points, Ms Gavarino has obtained multiple threats.

Citizen Reaction

Reassuringly, the public seems unconvinced. A survey after the ruling found significant majorities supporting both the handling of the legal case and his punishment. Yet the spectacle, and the naked attempt to damage the credibility of the court system, was in all likelihood only a preliminary test. In January, the far-right leader's court petition against a conviction for embezzlement of political funds will take place. If unsuccessful, the conservative figure will be disqualified from running in the future campaign.

Future Implications

Across a fragmented and doubtful society, that will be a risky period for the national legal system to navigate. The former president may yet be released before his own appeal, subsequent to a petition by his lawyers. Yet the reckless and unfounded criticisms on the court system at all stages of his proceedings have established a harmful example.