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As he made his way at the Parisian detention facility this week, Nicolas Sarkozy posted a declaration brimming with defiance via social media, asserting, "This isn't a former president of the nation entering prison this morning, it's an innocent man." The appeals judiciary is set to rule on the accuracy of this assertion. But unfortunately for Mr Sarkozy, the spectacle and importance of his decline cannot be dismissed.

The Legal Judgment

The French head of state from 2007 to 2012, Mr Sarkozy was convicted of unlawful plotting to secure illicit campaign funds from the regime of the former Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi. Sentenced to a five-year prison term, he has been recorded as the first former leader of an EU member state to enter prison, and the earliest French head of state since the shamed head of the Vichy regime, Marshal Pétain. Within a nation where the chosen leader enjoys a quasi-monarchical status, the recent extraordinary spectacle was a historic occasion.

Citizen Confidence and Legal Accountability

In an era when faith in political institutions in France has declined drastically to the extent where warning signs are evident, it was also a instructive example that the law applies to all. According to a survey published on Tuesday, a majority of participants said that they felt a majority of government figures were corrupt, and almost 90% claimed that the majority operated primarily out of personal gain. While judging Mr Sarkozy and ordering that his sentence should commence promptly, the judge, the judicial authority, noted that she took into account both the exceptionally grave nature of the offences and the fact that they were "potentially erode the people's faith."

Judicial Threats

Those thoughts might be deemed typical, especially given that the ex-president has previously been sentenced in separate corruption cases. However the former president's case and its fallout have alarmingly revealed the extent to which in France, as in other countries, the rule of law is threatened by a newly fashionable disdain for courts and the try to influence of societal perspectives.

In Trumpian fashion, an comprehensive and precise legal process has been falsely depicted by his backers as a legal conspiracy and political retaliation. Following the ruling in September, the ex-leader openly condemned his judgment as unlawful and decried the "hostility" with "no restraints" that allegedly motivated it. As prominent officials and supporters from the traditional and radical have dominated media discussions and right-leaning media with the same talking points, Ms Gavarino has been subjected to various menaces.

Societal Feedback

Hearteningly, the citizens seems unconvinced. A post-verdict poll found significant majorities endorsing both the handling of the courtroom process and his conviction. However the spectacle, and the naked attempt to weaken the standing of the judicial system, was very likely just a trial run. Next year, Marine Le Pen's legal challenge against a judgment for diversion of electoral finances will be heard. If the appeal fails, the political candidate will be ruled out from competing in the 2027 presidential race.

Future Implications

Within a divided and skeptical country, that will be a risky period for the national legal system to handle. Mr Sarkozy could still be freed prior to his appeal hearing, following a request by his lawyers. But the irresponsible and baseless attacks on the court system before, during and after his proceedings have set a damaging precedent.