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Sarkozy learns prison terms: PNF changes boss under pressure!
Nicolas Sarkozy will learn the terms of his prison sentence on October 13, 2025, while the PNF receives a new leader.
Sarkozy learns prison terms: PNF changes boss under pressure!
Today is a memorable day for Nicolas Sarkozy. On October 13, 2025, the former French president will learn the details of his prison sentence. This happens on a market day, because at the same time there is a restructuring at the top of the Parquet national financier (PNF). The new head, Pascal Prache, succeeds Jean-François Bohnert, who will now serve as Attorney General at the Versailles Court of Appeal. The appointments were proposed by Gérald Darmanin, the justice minister, and accepted by President Emmanuel Macron. However, they still have to go through the report of the Conseil supérieur de la magistrature (CSM), which is not binding.
Pascal Prache, who was appointed Director of Judicial Services in October 2024, brings a wealth of experience. He previously worked as a public prosecutor in various cities and began his career as an investigating judge in Nevers. The PNF currently consists of 20 prosecutors and 9 specialized assistants and has been known for tackling major financial crimes since its creation in 2014, especially after the Cahuzac scandal.
Nicolas Sarkozy's legal challenges
Sarkozy was convicted in connection with his 2007 presidential campaign and received a five-year prison sentence, parts of which were deferred. The public prosecutor's office has already filed an appeal against the decision in order to challenge the conviction on the grounds of "aiding and abetting crime". In particular, the PNF would like to take action against the acquittals in the cases of “recycling of embezzled funds” and “corruption”. The PNF described the contractual corruption pact with former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as “unreasonable.” The court also demanded seven years in prison and a high fine.
In a personal meeting today at the PNF, Sarkozy discussed the modalities of his detention. We also know that he was able to hold a meeting with his supporters at the Pavillon des Étangs in Paris. These included his former economic advisor Emmanuel Moulin and several lawyers. It is rumored that Sarkozy compares himself to historical figures such as Dreyfus and Monte-Cristo and sees himself as a victim of an injustice.
The role of the PNF and the financial dimension
Clarifying financial crimes is the top priority for the PNF - it has already obtained 12 billion euros for the state and concluded numerous settlements with companies in order to ease legal consequences. In its investigations so far, the PNF has also managed to impose a record fine of 2.1 billion euros against Airbus.
Bohnert, who has headed the PNF since 2019, has always emphasized how important international cooperation is in the fight against financial crime. The PNF itself is now in the spotlight, not only because of the conviction of Sarkozy, but also because of the ongoing appeal against other high-profile political actors such as Brice Hortefeux and Claude Guéant.
The developments surrounding Nicolas Sarkozy and the PNF show once again how the fight against corruption and abuse of power is deeply anchored in the politics of French society. The discussions about preserving his reputation and the loyalty of his former employees are likely to continue to be a major issue in the future.
We now eagerly await the next steps, both for Sarkozy and for the new leadership of the PNF. These developments are not only important for France, but also have international implications.