Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison by a Paris court for criminal conspiracy related to illegal campaign financing from Libya. The ruling, delivered on September 25, 2025, found Sarkozy guilty of conspiring with the regime of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to secure funds for his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Despite his conviction, the court acquitted him of other charges, including corruption and illegal campaign financing, stating there was insufficient evidence to prove he directly benefited from the alleged funds.

Judge Nathalie Gavarino noted that Sarkozy, during his tenure as a minister and party leader, allowed his close associates to seek financial support from Libyan authorities. However, the court did not accept the prosecution's claim that Sarkozy was the direct recipient of the funds. Alongside Sarkozy, two of his former aides were also convicted: Claude Gueant for passive corruption and falsification, and Brice Hortefeux for criminal conspiracy. Sarkozy's campaign treasurer, Eric Woerth, was acquitted.

Sarkozy, who has consistently denied the allegations, expressed his intention to appeal the verdict. "If they absolutely want me to sleep in jail, I will sleep in jail, but with my head held high," he stated after the ruling. This case adds to Sarkozy's ongoing legal troubles, which include previous convictions for graft and illegal campaign financing in separate matters.

The trial has drawn significant attention, particularly following the recent death of Ziad Takieddine, a businessman who had claimed to have delivered cash from Gaddafi to Sarkozy. Takieddine's contradictory statements have led to further investigations into the matter. Sarkozy's legal challenges have not diminished his influence in French politics, where he remains a prominent figure on the right.