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While he made his way at La Santé prison this week, the former French leader published a message overflowing with opposition via social media, stating, "This isn't a ex-leader of the republic entering prison this morning, it's an wrongfully accused individual." A court of appeal will in time rule on the accuracy of that statement. But unfortunately for Mr Sarkozy, the spectacle and importance of his decline cannot be dismissed.

The Guilty Verdict

President of France during the 2007-2012 term, Mr Sarkozy was judged culpable of unlawful plotting to acquire prohibited donations from the regime of the former Libyan ruler, Muammar Gaddafi. Handed a half-decade incarceration, he has been recorded as the first former leader of an European Union nation to be imprisoned, and the first French leader since the disgraced head of Vichy France, Marshal Pétain. Across France where the chosen leader possesses a near-royal standing, the recent unprecedented scene was a defining instance.

Citizen Confidence and Legal Consequences

In an era when trust in government bodies in France has collapsed to the point where alarms are sounding, it was also a sobering reminder that no one is above the law. According to a survey issued this week, two-thirds of respondents said that they thought a large number of government figures were unethical, and nearly nine out of 10 claimed that the majority behaved predominantly out of personal gain. While judging Mr Sarkozy and directing that his incarceration should begin without delay, the presiding magistrate, Nathalie Gavarino, declared that she took into account both the profoundly severe aspect of the violations and the fact that they were "could damage public confidence."

Courtroom Struggles

Such reflections might be considered unexceptional, particularly since that the ex-president has previously been found guilty in other graft trials. However the legal proceedings and its aftermath have alarmingly revealed the degree to which within the nation, 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.

Using divisive tactics, an exhaustive and meticulous judicial procedure has been falsely depicted by Mr Sarkozy's supporters as a judicial plot and leftwing vendetta. Subsequent to the decision recently, the former president effectively denounced his judgment as unlawful and censured the "hostility" with "no limits" that supposedly drove it. As senior politicians and supporters from the right and far right have filled the airwaves and traditional outlets with the similar rhetoric, the judge has been subjected to multiple threats.

Citizen Reaction

Reassuringly, the public seems unconvinced. A survey after the ruling found significant majorities endorsing both the proceedings of the courtroom process and his conviction. Yet the spectacle, and the obvious try to damage the credibility of the court system, was very likely just a trial run. In January, Marine Le Pen's legal challenge against a guilty verdict for embezzlement of political funds will take place. If the appeal fails, the conservative figure will be excluded from running in the future campaign.

Long-term Effects

In a polarised and mistrustful nation, that will be a risky period for the country's courts to manage. Mr Sarkozy could still be freed ahead of his next legal challenge, following a request by his legal team. But the reckless and unfounded criticisms on the legal system before, during and after his case have set a damaging precedent.