Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Stripped of Legion of Honour Following Corruption Convictions

Former president Nicolas Sarkozy

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been officially stripped of the Legion of Honour, the country's highest civilian award, following multiple criminal convictions for corruption and illegal campaign financing. The decision was confirmed in a decree published in France’s Official Bulletin on Sunday.

Sarkozy, a leading figure of France's center-right political establishment, served as president from 2007 to 2012 and has faced mounting legal troubles since leaving office. The revocation of the prestigious decoration follows a series of upheld convictions and marks a historic first for a former French head of state.

France's highest court last year upheld Sarkozy’s conviction for corruption and influence peddling. In a landmark ruling, he was sentenced to wear an electronic tag for one year, becoming the first former French president to receive such a sentence.

In a separate case, an appeals court confirmed another conviction against Sarkozy for illegal campaign financing tied to his failed 2012 re-election bid. Both cases have significantly tarnished his legacy and political reputation.

Under the statutes governing the Legion of Honour, recipients convicted of crimes involving dishonor or breach of public trust are subject to removal from the order. Sarkozy’s revocation, though unprecedented for someone of his stature, had been widely anticipated in light of these legal outcomes.

The Legion of Honour, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service to France in both civil and military roles. The removal of Sarkozy from the order underscores the seriousness with which the French state treats ethical violations by public figures, regardless of rank or former office.