Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy vehemently denied any wrongdoing in the ongoing trial related to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign. In his first court appearance since the trial began, Sarkozy asserted that "no Libyan euro" was used to fund his campaign.
Facing charges of passive corruption, illegal campaign financing, and concealment of embezzlement, Sarkozy argued that fabricated evidence is being used against him. He described a "plot" orchestrated by "liars and crooks," specifically mentioning the Gadhafi clan. His testimony was delivered with a strong voice and gestures.
The trial, scheduled to conclude on April 10th, centers on allegations that the Libyan government under Moammar Gadhafi illegally financed Sarkozy's campaign. These claims emerged in 2011, shortly after Sarkozy publicly called for Gadhafi's removal.
Sarkozy questioned the credibility of the allegations, linking them to a perceived motive for retribution. He specifically contested the authenticity of a purported Libyan intelligence document detailing a 50 million euro financing agreement, citing it as a fabrication. While French investigators deemed the document potentially authentic in 2016, concrete proof of the transaction remains elusive.
Sarkozy's defense emphasized the lack of evidence supporting the charges. He appealed to the court's sense of justice, asserting his innocence and challenging the accusations of corruption.
This trial marks a significant chapter in Sarkozy's legal career. He has previously faced and been convicted in other cases, but this one, alleging illegal campaign financing, holds particular importance, potentially impacting his political legacy. Furthermore, Sarkozy's recent conviction by France's highest court on separate corruption charges adds a layer of complexity to the situation.
