Sarkozy in court: Does the ex-president still have influence in politics?

Sarkozy in court: Does the ex-president still have influence in politics?

In Neuilly, not far from Paris, a group of women meet in a small café today, and as they enjoy their coffee, a lively conversation unfolds about a man who has shaped French politics for years: Nicolas Sarkozy. Marie, 47 years old, describes the former president as personable and praises his contributions to the cityscape. Her colleague Jeanne, 54, on the other hand, expresses deep distrust of the political class and believes that many politicians are burdened with “casseroles”, i.e. scandals. These different views reflect the divided perception that Sarkozy still has among the population.

The two women also discuss the current legal disputes affecting Sarkozy. Today is an important date for him: the court will decide on the alleged financing of his 2007 election campaign with Libyan funds. Jeanne even remembers a special encounter with him in 2007 and talks about the reaction of her then two-year-old daughter. But she has noticed that Sarkozy no longer lives in Neuilly, but has moved his residence to Paris - a relief for the city, where concerned citizens are often skeptical about his political influence.

The legal dispute and its consequences

Today's court case is not the first for Sarkozy. He faces a variety of legal challenges shaped by the verdicts in the Bismuth and Bygmalion cases, for which he has already been sentenced to prison. Liberation reports that the outcome of the trial could have an impact on his political future. If he is convicted, it could not only destroy his ambitions, but also affect the careers of those politicians who curry favor with him. Despite his political retirement, Sarkozy remains a magnet for political discussions and confidential meetings.

September 11th was the last major date when Sébastien Lecornu and Gabriel Attal visited. They value him as an experienced political advisor who has become a contact point for many younger politicians who were not yet on the stage during his active time. The visits to Sarkozy follow a regular pattern: after a wait in the reception room, there is an often one-sided conversation that ends in a photo with him. Some of the initiators of such meetings emphasize that the connection with Sarkozy can be beneficial for their own political positioning. But there are also critical voices who see the contact with Sarkozy as a calculated game to gain political capital.

Sarkozy in focus

Even after all the scandals, Sarkozy remains a sought-after personality. His popularity is partly based on a longing for strong leadership, which is evident in his interviews, for example inFigaro, is expressed. However, it is unclear how strong his actual influence still is - parts of the public rate his return to the political arena more highly than is perhaps appropriate. The discussions among Neuilly residents make it clear that opinions about Sarkozy remain divided and that his political decisions could continue to influence national politics. Franceinfo highlights that while some overstate Sarkozy's influence, others still see him as an important player in the political landscape.