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While he was transported at the Parisian detention facility on Tuesday, the former French leader posted a message brimming with opposition via social media, asserting, "It's not a ex-leader of the republic facing incarceration this morning, but rather an wrongfully accused individual." An appellate court is set to decide regarding the accuracy of this assertion. Yet sadly for Mr Sarkozy, the spectacle and significance of his decline cannot simply be wished away.

The Legal Judgment

The French head of state during the 2007-2012 term, the former president was judged culpable of illegal collaboration to obtain illicit campaign funds from the government of the former Libyan ruler, Colonel Gaddafi. Sentenced to a five-year sentence, he has emerged as the initial ex-head of an EU member state to enter prison, and the earliest French head of state since the dishonored head of wartime France, Philippe Pétain. In a country where the chosen leader possesses a quasi-monarchical status, the recent unprecedented scene was a defining instance.

National Faith and Judicial Responsibility

At a time when faith in political institutions in France has collapsed to the point where alarms are sounding, it was also a sobering reminder that no one is above the law. In a poll published recently, two-thirds of respondents stated that they believed a majority of politicians were unethical, and almost 90% reported that many operated primarily out of personal gain. When convicting Mr Sarkozy and mandating that his prison term should commence promptly, the presiding magistrate, Nathalie Gavarino, noted that she factored in both the extremely serious character of the offences and the fact that they were "potentially erode the people's faith."

Legal Challenges

Such reflections might be seen as ordinary, especially given that Mr Sarkozy has before been convicted in distinct bribery proceedings. However the former president's case and its fallout have alarmingly revealed the scope to which across the country, as in different nations, the rule of law is jeopardized by a increasingly common disrespect toward legal institutions and the effort to control of the popular view.

Using divisive tactics, an exhaustive and meticulous judicial procedure has been groundlessly presented by his backers as a courtroom scheme and leftwing vendetta. Following the ruling in September, the ex-leader publicly criticized his judgment as unlawful and condemned the "animosity" with "no limits" that allegedly motivated it. As high-ranking leaders and advocates from the right and far right have dominated media discussions and right-leaning media with the similar rhetoric, the judge has obtained multiple threats.

Societal Feedback

Encouragingly, the public seems unconvinced. Research following the judgment found clear majorities supporting both the proceedings of the legal case and his punishment. However the drama, and the obvious try to damage the credibility of the legal system, was most probably only a preliminary test. In January, the National Rally figure's appeal against a guilty verdict for misuse of campaign money will take place. If unsuccessful, the conservative figure will be disqualified from participating in the future campaign.

Coming Consequences

Across a fragmented and doubtful society, that will be a dangerous time for the French judiciary to manage. The former president might eventually exit ahead of his next legal challenge, after an application by his legal team. But the irresponsible and baseless attacks on the legal system throughout his trial have established a harmful example.