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As he made his way at the Parisian detention facility this week, the former French leader shared a message overflowing with opposition via social media, writing, "It's not a former president of the republic entering prison this morning, but rather an innocent man." A court of appeal is set to rule on the accuracy of that statement. However, regrettably for Mr Sarkozy, the turmoil and significance of his downfall cannot be dismissed.

The Conviction

France's leader between 2007 and 2012, the former president was convicted of illegal collaboration to secure illicit campaign funds from the government 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 country to be imprisoned, and the earliest French head of state since the dishonored head of Vichy France, the Vichy leader. Across France where the chosen leader possesses a near-royal standing, this week's extraordinary spectacle was a historic occasion.

Public Trust and Judicial Responsibility

During a period when trust in government bodies in France has declined drastically to the degree where the lights are flashing red, it was also a instructive example that everyone is subject to the law. According to a survey released this week, over 65% of those surveyed stated that they thought a majority of politicians were unethical, and nearly nine out of 10 reported that most acted mainly out of individual benefit. In sentencing the former president and mandating that his sentence should begin without delay, the court official, Nathalie Gavarino, noted that she considered both the extremely serious character of the crimes and the fact that they were "likely to undermine public confidence."

Judicial Threats

These considerations might be seen as ordinary, notably because that the ex-president has in the past been sentenced in separate corruption cases. Yet the legal proceedings and its fallout have alarmingly revealed the degree to which across the country, as in different nations, the legal system is endangered by a newly fashionable contempt for the judiciary and the try to influence of public opinion.

Using divisive tactics, an comprehensive and precise judicial procedure has been groundlessly presented by the former president's allies as a legal conspiracy and leftwing vendetta. After the verdict last month, the ex-leader effectively denounced his judgment as invalid and condemned the "hostility" with "no restraints" that reportedly inspired it. As high-ranking leaders and backers from the conservative and extremist have dominated media discussions and traditional outlets with the same talking points, Ms Gavarino has obtained various menaces.

Public Response

Reassuringly, the public does not appear to be buying it. A survey after the ruling found clear majorities backing both the proceedings of Mr Sarkozy's trial and his punishment. Yet the spectacle, and the obvious try to damage the credibility of the court system, was most probably only a preliminary test. In January, the far-right leader's legal challenge against a guilty verdict for embezzlement of political funds will take place. If the appeal fails, the conservative figure will be ruled out from running in the 2027 presidential race.

Future Implications

Across a fragmented and doubtful society, that will be a perilous moment for the French judiciary to handle. Mr Sarkozy might eventually exit prior to his appeal hearing, following a request by his attorneys. Yet the irresponsible and baseless attacks on the judicial framework before, during and after his trial have created a negative standard.