History of Nicolas Sarkozy in Timeline
Nicolas Sarkozy, a French politician, held the office of President of France from 2007 to 2012. His presidency was marked by significant events including the global financial crisis, which he attempted to mitigate through national and international efforts. He also pursued reforms in areas such as pensions, immigration, and labor laws. Sarkozy's policies and leadership style often sparked debate, reflecting a blend of conservative and liberal approaches. Since leaving office, he has remained a prominent, though sometimes controversial, figure in French politics.
3 hours ago : Sarkozy's Incarceration: Macron's Visit, Freedom's End, and Supporters' Protest Against Justice.
Nicolas Sarkozy faced incarceration after a visit from Emmanuel Macron. Sarkozy declared he wasn't afraid of prison during his final days of freedom. His supporters protested what they perceived as unjust treatment by the justice system.
October 1925: Birth of Andrée Mallah
In October 1925, Andrée Jeanne "Dadu" Mallah, Nicolas Sarkozy's mother, was born.
May 1928: Birth of Pál Sárközy
In May 1928, Pál István Ernő Sárközy de Nagy-Bócsa, Nicolas Sarkozy's father, was born.
1945: Policy Announcements After Rioting
In 1945, in the aftermath of rioting, Sarkozy announced future policies focused on immigrant selection, greater immigrant tracking, and a reform of the 1945 ordinance regarding government justice measures for young delinquents.
1947: Achille Peretti as Mayor
In 1947, Achille Peretti became the mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine.
February 1950: Marriage of Sarkozy's Parents
In February 1950, Pál Sárközy and Andrée Mallah, Nicolas Sarkozy's parents, were married.
January 1955: Nicolas Sarkozy's Birth
In January 1955, Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa was born in Paris.
January 1955: Birth of Nicolas Sarkozy
In January 1955, Nicolas Paul Stéphane Sarközy de Nagy-Bocsa was born.
1959: Divorce of Sarkozy's Parents
In 1959, Pál Sárközy and Andrée Mallah, Nicolas Sarkozy's parents, divorced.
1973: Obtained Baccalauréat
In 1973, Nicolas Sarkozy obtained his baccalauréat from Cours Saint-Louis de Monceau.
1973: UN Security Council resolution 1973 adopted
In 1973, not related to the provided article, resolution 1973 was adopted by the Security Council of the United Nations, permitting the creation of a "no fly" zone over Libya, and for the undertaking of "necessary measures" for the protection of the country's civilian population.
1979: Entered Sciences Po
In 1979, Nicolas Sarkozy entered Sciences Po for his studies.
1981: Failed to Graduate
In 1981, Nicolas Sarkozy failed to graduate from Sciences Po due to insufficient command of the English language.
September 1982: Marriage to Marie-Dominique Culioli
In September 1982, Nicolas Sarkozy married Marie-Dominique Culioli.
1983: End of Peretti's Mayorship
In 1983, Achille Peretti's term as mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine came to an end.
1983: Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine
In 1983, Nicolas Sarkozy became the Mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine.
1983: Elected Mayor
In 1983, Nicolas Sarkozy was elected as the mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine, becoming the youngest mayor of a town with over 50,000 residents in France.
1985: Birth of Pierre Sarkozy
In 1985, Pierre Sarkozy, Nicolas Sarkozy's son, was born.
1986: Birth of Jean Sarkozy
In 1986, Jean Sarkozy, Nicolas Sarkozy's son, was born.
1988: Cécilia Left Husband
In 1988, Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz left her husband for Nicolas Sarkozy.
1988: Deputy in National Assembly
In 1988, Nicolas Sarkozy became a deputy in the National Assembly.
1993: Minister for the Budget
In 1993, Nicolas Sarkozy became the Minister for the Budget in the cabinet of Prime Minister Édouard Balladur.
1993: Negotiation with Human Bomb
In 1993, Nicolas Sarkozy negotiated with the "Human Bomb," who held children hostage in a kindergarten in Neuilly.
1994: Budget Deficit
In 1994, Nicolas Sarkozy submitted a budget to the parliament, with a yearly budget deficit equivalent to six percent of GDP.
1995: Minister for the Budget
In 1995, Nicolas Sarkozy continued serving as Minister for the Budget in the cabinet of Prime Minister Édouard Balladur.
1995: Support of Edouard Balladur
In 1995, Nicolas Sarkozy had supported Edouard Balladur for President.
1995: Backed Balladur for President
In 1995, Nicolas Sarkozy supported Édouard Balladur for President of France, opposing Jacques Chirac.
1995: End of Term as Minister of Budget
In 1995, Nicolas Sarkozy's term as Minister of the Budget concluded.
October 1996: Marriage to Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz
In October 1996, Nicolas Sarkozy married Cécilia Ciganer-Albéniz.
1996: Divorce from Marie-Dominique Culioli
In 1996, Nicolas Sarkozy divorced Marie-Dominique Culioli.
1996: End of Term as Budget Minister
In 1996, Nicolas Sarkozy's term as Minister for the Budget concluded.
April 1997: Birth of Louis Sarkozy
In April 1997, Louis Sarkozy, Nicolas Sarkozy's son, was born.
1997: Return after Defeat
In 1997, Nicolas Sarkozy returned after the right-wing defeat at the parliamentary election, becoming the number two candidate of the RPR.
1999: RPR Leadership
In 1999, Nicolas Sarkozy took the leadership of the Neo-Gaullist party RPR after Philippe Séguin resigned, but later lost it after poor election results.
2002: Public Appearances with Cécilia
From 2002, Nicolas and Cécilia Sarkozy made frequent public appearances together.
2002: End of Mayoral Term
In 2002, Nicolas Sarkozy concluded his term as mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine.
2002: Resignation as Deputy
In 2002, Nicolas Sarkozy had to resign as a deputy when he became minister.
2002: Minister of the Interior Appointment
In 2002, Nicolas Sarkozy was appointed as Minister of the Interior in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
May 2003: Foundation of the French Council of the Muslim Faith
In May 2003, Sarkozy supported the foundation of the Conseil français du culte musulman (French Council of the Muslim Faith), a private non-profit organization intended to represent French Muslims and provide a legitimate body to engage with the French government.
April 2004: Finance Minister Appointment
In April 2004, Nicolas Sarkozy became the Finance Minister.
November 2004: Leader of the UMP
In November 2004, Nicolas Sarkozy became the leader of the UMP with 85% of the vote, subsequently resigning as Finance Minister.
2004: Leader of UMP
In 2004, Nicolas Sarkozy became the leader of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party.
2004: Sarkozy Co-Authors Book on Religion and the Republic
In 2004, Nicolas Sarkozy co-authored "La République, les religions, l'espérance" advocating for reduced separation of church and state and government subsidies for mosques.
2004: Divisive Politician
Towards the end of his first term as Minister of the Interior, in 2004, Nicolas Sarkozy was considered the most divisive conservative politician in France, based on polls.
February 2005: Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur
In February 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy was made Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) by President Chirac.
March 2005: Re-elected to National Assembly
On March 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy was re-elected to the National Assembly.
May 2005: Cécilia Left Sarkozy
In May 2005, Cécilia Sarkozy left Nicolas Sarkozy for Richard Attias.
May 2005: Rumor of Reappointment
On 31 May 2005, there were rumours of Nicolas Sarkozy being reappointed Minister of the Interior in the government of Dominique de Villepin.
June 2005: Sarkozy's "Kärcher" Statement
In June 2005, following the death of a boy in La Courneuve, Nicolas Sarkozy, then Minister of the Interior, declared "on va nettoyer au Kärcher la cité" ("we will clean the area with a pressure washer"), a statement that later became controversial.
June 2005: Reappointed as Interior Minister
On 2 June 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy was officially announced as the Minister of the Interior in the government of Dominique de Villepin.
June 2005: Sarkozy questioned the Minister of Justice
On 22 June 2005 Nicolas Sarkozy told law enforcement officials that he had questioned the Minister of Justice about the future of "the judge" who had freed a man on parole who had later committed a murder.
September 2005: Accusation of pushing for a hasty inquiry
In September 2005, Nicolas Sarkozy was accused of pushing for a hasty inquiry into an arson attack on a police station in Pau.
September 2005: Call for Radical Changes in Economic and Social Policies
Throughout 2005, including an interview with Le Monde on 8 September 2005, Sarkozy advocated for radical changes in France's economic and social policies, claiming that the French had been misled by false promises for 30 years.
October 2005: Police raid in Clichy-sous-Bois led to riots
In October 2005, a police "raid" on the suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois led to two boys being electrocuted in a power sub-station, triggering the 2005 Paris riots.
2005: UMP Presidency and European Constitution Referendum
In 2005, Sarkozy, as president of UMP, saw the party's membership increase significantly. He supported a "yes" vote in the French referendum on the European Constitution, but the "No" vote ultimately prevailed.
2005: Civil Unrest and Controversial Remarks
In 2005, during civil unrest, Sarkozy faced accusations of provoking the situation. His calling young delinquents a "rabble" and suggesting the cleansing of minority suburbs with a Kärcher sparked criticism. After the accidental death of two youths that ignited the riots, Sarkozy blamed "hoodlums" and gangsters, drawing further censure.
September 2006: Sarkozy criticizes French opposition to Iraq War
In September 2006, while at the French-American Foundation in Washington, D.C., Sarkozy criticized the way Chirac and Dominique de Villepin expressed France's opposition to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, denouncing what he termed "French arrogance".
2006: Involvement in DADVSI Bill Adoption
In early 2006, Sarkozy intervened in the adoption of the controversial DADVSI bill regarding French copyright law, organizing meetings between involved parties due to divisions within his party. He was later accused of unofficially supporting amendments that enacted strong penalties against peer-to-peer systems.
January 2007: UMP Candidate Selection for 2007 Presidential Election
On 14 January 2007, Sarkozy was chosen by the UMP as their candidate in the 2007 presidential election, running unopposed and winning 98 percent of the votes from 69 percent of participating UMP members.
February 2007: Televised Debate and Policy Positions
In February 2007, Sarkozy appeared on a televised debate on TF1 and expressed support for affirmative action and the freedom to work overtime. He also advocated for civil unions and inheritance rights for same-sex partners, despite opposing same-sex marriage.
April 2007: First Round of Presidential Election
On 22 April 2007, in the first round of the presidential election, Sarkozy received 31.18 per cent of the votes, placing him ahead of Ségolène Royal of the Socialists, who received 25.87 percent. Sarkozy won the election in the second round and stressed the need for France's modernisation and called for national unity.
May 2007: Sarkozy Elected President of France
On 6 May 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy was elected President of the Fifth Republic of France, becoming the 23rd President in French history.
June 2007: UMP Majority at Legislative Election and Inheritance Tax Revocation
In June 2007, Sarkozy's party, the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), won a majority at the legislative election. In July, the UMP majority, seconded by the Nouveau Centre, ratified one of Sarkozy's electoral promises, to partially revoke the inheritance tax.
June 2007: G8 Summit and CO2 Emission Goals
On 8 June 2007, during the 33rd G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Sarkozy set a goal of reducing French CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2050 to prevent global warming. He also pushed forward Dominique Strauss-Kahn as the European nominee to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
July 2007: Same-Sex Partner Inheritance Law Voted
In July 2007, the law concerning inheritance for same-sex partners, which Sarkozy advocated for, was voted in.
July 2007: Extradition of Bulgarian Nurses and Agreements with Libya
On 24 July 2007, Sarkozy announced the extradition of Bulgarian nurses detained in Libya. In exchange, France signed security, health care, and immigration pacts with Muammar Gaddafi, along with a $230 million MILAN antitank missile sale.
July 2007: Sarkozy's Dakar Speech
On 27 July 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy delivered a controversial speech in Dakar, Senegal, claiming that "the African has never really entered into history", which was widely condemned as racist.
August 2007: Implementation of Biometric Profiling Program in Airports
On 7 August 2007, Sarkozy's government issued a decree to implement a voluntary biometric profiling program, 'Parafes', of travelers in airports using fingerprints. The CNIL protested against the recording of fingerprints and the interconnection between the SIS and the FPR.
October 2007: Divorce from Cécilia Sarkozy
In October 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy and Cécilia Sarkozy officially divorced.
December 2007: Protests Against Gaddafi's Visit
In December 2007, Muammar Gaddafi's official visit to Nicolas Sarkozy triggered a strong wave of protests against the President in France.
2007: Pledge to Strengthen International Relations
During his 2007 presidential campaign, Sarkozy promised a strengthening of the entente cordiale with the United Kingdom and closer cooperation with the United States.
2007: Sarkozy Nicknamed Hyper-President
Following his election in 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy was dubbed "Hyper-president" by some French media, reflecting his desire to control both foreign and domestic policy, a departure from the traditional focus of previous presidents.
2007: Alleged Libyan Interference
In 2007, Allegations arose regarding Libyan interference in the French elections.
2007: Support for Canada-EU Free Trade Agreement
In 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, along with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Quebec Premier Jean Charest, voiced support for a Canada – EU free trade agreement.
2007: President of France
In 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy began his term as President of France.
2007: End of Leadership of UMP
In 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy's leadership of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party ended.
2007: End of UMP Presidency
In 2007, Nicolas Sarkozy's term as president of the Union pour un Mouvement Populaire (UMP) concluded.
2007: Alleged illegal campaign donation
In 2007, according to claims published by Mediapart in July 2010, Sarkozy and Eric Woerth allegedly received illegal campaign donations in cash from Liliane Bettencourt, as stated by her former accountant Claire Thibout.
2007: Sarkozy's Comments on Genetics and Disorders
In 2007, during an interview, Nicolas Sarkozy made statements linking disorders like paedophilia and depression to genetics, sparking criticism from scientists.
2007: Published book ahead of 2007 campaign
In 2007, not related to the provided article, Nicolas Sarkozy published a book ahead of his campaign.
2007: Alleged Libyan financing of Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign.
In 2007, not related to the provided article, there were allegations of Libyan financing of Sarkozy's presidential campaign.
2007: Allegations of Libyan interference in the 2007 French elections
In 2007, not related to the provided article, there were allegations of Libyan interference in the French elections.
2007: Sarkozy invites Gaddafi to France and agrees to sell Airbus aircraft
In 2007, shortly after his inauguration, Nicolas Sarkozy invited Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi to France despite objections. During the visit, France agreed to sell Libya 21 Airbus aircraft and signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, initiating negotiations for more than a dozen Dassault Rafale fighter jets and military helicopters.
February 2008: Marriage to Carla Bruni
In February 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy married Carla Bruni at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
February 2008: Sarkozy filmed during exchange at Paris International Agricultural Show
In February 2008, Sarkozy was filmed by a reporter for Le Parisien during an exchange while visiting the Paris International Agricultural Show.
April 2008: Opposition to NATO Membership for Ukraine and Georgia
In April 2008, Sarkozy opposed George W. Bush in granting membership in NATO for Ukraine and Georgia during the organization's Bucharest summit, forming a common front with Germany's Angela Merkel and Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
July 2008: Constitutional Reforms Passed by Parliament
On 21 July 2008, the French parliament passed constitutional reforms, a key pledge of Sarkozy's presidential campaign. The reforms introduced a two-term limit for the presidency, ended the president's right of collective pardon, and granted parliament greater power.
July 2008: Modernization of the Economy Law
On 23 July 2008, parliament voted the "loi de modernisation de l'économie" (Modernization of the Economy Law), which loosened restrictions on retail prices and reduced limitations on the creation of businesses. The Government also made changes to long-standing French work-hour regulations, allowing employers to negotiate overtime with employees and making all hours worked past the traditional French 35-hour week tax-free.
August 2008: Hervé Eon arrested for displaying offensive sign against Sarkozy
In August 2008, Hervé Eon was arrested for displaying a sign with Sarkozy's own words "Casse-toi pov' con" at an anti-Sarkozy demonstration. He was fined, but the fine was reduced to a symbolic amount, interpreted as a defeat for the prosecution.
October 2008: Address to the National Assembly of Quebec
In October 2008, Sarkozy became the first French President to address the National Assembly of Quebec. While speaking out against Quebec separatism, he recognized Quebec as a nation within Canada, emphasizing the close relationship between France and both Canada and Quebec.
December 2008: EU Council Presidency and Meeting with the Dalai Lama
In December 2008, as part of France's EU Council Presidency, Sarkozy met the Dalai Lama in Poland, outraging China and leading to the indefinite postponement of the China-EU summit. Sarkozy also aimed for EU approval of a progressive energy package during his presidency.
December 2008: Sarkozy calls for coercive methods to promote "métissage"
In December 2008, during a press conference, Sarkozy called for coercive methods to promote "métissage," referring to a melting pot society, which he described as an "obligation".
2008: Response to the Financial Crisis
As a result of the 2008 financial crisis, Sarkozy returned to state interventionism, declaring that "laissez-faire capitalism is over" and denouncing the "dictatorship of the market". He also pledged to create 100,000 state-subsidized jobs.
2008: Marriage to Carla Bruni
In 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy married Carla Bruni at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
January 2009: Ceasefire Plan for Gaza Strip Conflict
On 5 January 2009, Sarkozy called for a ceasefire plan for the Gaza Strip Conflict, jointly proposed with Egyptian ex-President Hosni Mubarak. The plan envisioned aid delivery to Gaza and talks with Israel on border security.
September 2009: Warning at the U.N. Climate Summit
At the U.N. Climate Summit on 22 September 2009, Sarkozy warned that "We are on the path to failure if we continue to act as we have."
October 2009: Sarkozy accused of nepotism
In October 2009, Sarkozy faced accusations of nepotism for allegedly assisting his son, Jean, in his attempt to become the head of EPAD, the public body managing France's largest business district.
2009: Sarkozy's Height Becomes a Subject of Political Row
In 2009, Nicolas Sarkozy's height became a subject of political discussion when a factory worker claimed she was asked to stand next to him due to her similar height. This led to mockery from the Socialist Party.
July 2010: Mediapart accuses Sarkozy of receiving illegal campaign donations
In July 2010, Mediapart published an article in which Claire Thibout, Liliane Bettencourt's former accountant, accused Sarkozy and Eric Woerth of receiving illegal campaign donations in 2007 in cash.
July 2010: Sarkozy proposes stripping foreign-born French citizens of citizenship
In July 2010, Sarkozy proposed a policy to strip foreign-born French citizens of their citizenship if they acquired it at their majority and are convicted of threatening the life of a police officer or other serious crimes. This proposal was met with criticism from various sources, including The New York Times, political opponents like Martine Aubry, and legal experts such as Robert Badinter, who deemed it unconstitutional.
2010: Pension Reform
In 2010, Nicolas Sarkozy initiated the pension reform in France.
2010: France Ranked Most Respectful Country of G20 Concerning the Environment
In 2010, a study by Yale and Columbia universities ranked France as the most respectful country of the G20 concerning the environment.
March 2011: France actively engages against Gaddafi
In March 2011, Nicolas Sarkozy, after facing criticism for his initial reluctance to support revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, and influenced by Bernard-Henri Levy, advocated for France's active involvement against Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy demanded Gaddafi's resignation amidst the Libyan civil war. On March 10, 2011, Sarkozy welcomed emissaries from the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) to the Elysée Palace and promised them a no-fly zone over Libya and French military aid. France played a key role in the subsequent UN resolution.
March 2011: Military Intervention in Libya Begins
On March 19, 2011, Nicolas Sarkozy officially announced the commencement of a French-led military intervention in Libya. This decision was largely supported by the French political establishment and public.
October 2011: Birth of Giulia Sarkozy
In October 2011, Giulia Sarkozy, the daughter of Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, was born.
2011: The Conquest Film Released
In 2011, "The Conquest," a film dramatizing Nicolas Sarkozy's rise to power, was released and shown at the Cannes Film Festival. It featured candid portrayals of Sarkozy, Chirac, and Villepin.
2011: Jacques Chirac found guilty of embezzlement
In 2011, Jacques Chirac, Sarkozy's predecessor, was found guilty of embezzlement and breach of trust while he was mayor of Paris and given a suspended prison sentence.
May 2012: Sarkozy Loses Presidential Election
In May 2012, Nicolas Sarkozy lost the presidential election runoff to François Hollande, receiving approximately 48.38% of the vote compared to Hollande's 51.62%.
July 2012: French police raid Sarkozy's residence and office
In July 2012, French police conducted a raid on Sarkozy's residence and office as part of an investigation into claims of illegal political campaign financing.
2012: Defeated in Presidential Election
In 2012, Nicolas Sarkozy was defeated by François Hollande in the presidential election.
2012: End of Presidency
In 2012, Nicolas Sarkozy's term as President of France came to an end.
2012: Sarkozy Concedes Election and Leaves Office
In 2012, after his defeat in the presidential election, Nicolas Sarkozy conceded to François Hollande and asked his supporters to respect the victory. He invited Hollande to his last Victory in Europe Day commemoration on May 8, and his last day as President was May 15.
2012: Overspending in Sarkozy's 2012 presidential campaign
Sarkozy's 2012 presidential campaign was scrutinized, leading to his indictment in February 2016 on charges of "illegal financing of political campaign" due to overspending.
2012: Sarkozy's failed 2012 re-election campaign linked to Bygmalion scandal
Sarkozy's failed 2012 re-election campaign was scrutinized in May 2021 when his second criminal trial began, related to the Bygmalion Scandal involving allegations of diverting millions of euros intended for the campaign and using a PR firm to cover it up.
June 2014: Gilbert Azibert questioned in connection to Sarkozy investigation
In June 2014, Gilbert Azibert, a senior judge at the Court of Appeal, was questioned in connection to the investigation involving Sarkozy, who was accused of promising Azibert a prestigious role in Monaco in exchange for information about alleged illegal campaign funding.
July 2014: Sarkozy detained for questioning over alleged influence peddling
In July 2014, Sarkozy was detained for questioning by police regarding claims that he had promised a role in Monaco to judge Gilbert Azibert in exchange for information about the investigation into alleged illegal campaign funding.
September 2014: Sarkozy Announces Political Comeback
In September 2014, Nicolas Sarkozy announced his return to politics and his intention to run for chairman of the UMP party.
November 2014: Sarkozy Elected Chairman of UMP Party
In November 2014, Nicolas Sarkozy was elected as the chairman of the UMP party.
2014: Return as UMP Leader
In 2014, Nicolas Sarkozy returned to politics as the leader of the UMP.
2014: Sarkozy Considers Private Equity Career
In 2014, after leaving office, Nicolas Sarkozy briefly explored a career in private equity, securing a €250 million commitment from the Qatar Investment Authority. However, he abandoned these plans when he decided to make a political comeback later that year.
March 2015: UMP wins local elections
In March 2015, the UMP, led by Nicolas Sarkozy, secured victories in over two-thirds of the 102 local départements during nationwide elections.
January 2016: Sarkozy Publishes "La France pour la vie"
In January 2016, Nicolas Sarkozy released the book "La France pour la vie." Despite claims that it wasn't a campaign tool, it was widely viewed as preparation for a presidential run.
February 2016: Sarkozy indicted on illegal financing charges related to 2012 campaign
In February 2016, Sarkozy was indicted on "illegal financing of political campaign" charges related to overspending in his 2012 presidential campaign and retained as witness in connection with the Bygmalion scandal.
April 2016: Arnaud Claude named in Panama Papers
In April 2016, Arnaud Claude, a former law partner of Sarkozy, was named in the Panama Papers.
November 2016: Sarkozy eliminated from Republican party nomination contest
In November 2016, despite attempting to challenge for the presidency in 2017, Sarkozy was eliminated from the Republican party nomination contest.
2016: Retirement from Public Life
In 2016, Nicolas Sarkozy retired from public life after his defeat in the Republican presidential primary.
2016: British Parliament Report on Libya Intervention
In 2016, a British Parliament report criticized the 2011 military intervention in Libya, stating it was based on "erroneous assumptions" about the threat to civilians. The report suggested Nicolas Sarkozy's motivations were to serve French interests and improve his political standing in France.
December 2017: Death of Andrée Mallah
In December 2017, Andrée Jeanne "Dadu" Mallah, Nicolas Sarkozy's mother, passed away.
2017: Sarkozy's attempted presidential challenge
Despite the events that occurred in July 2014, Sarkozy attempted to challenge for the presidency in 2017, but was unsuccessful.
January 2018: Alexandre Djouhri arrested in connection to Libyan funds laundering
In January 2018, British police arrested Alexandre Djouhri, an associate of Sarkozy, on a European Arrest Warrant. He had refused to respond to a French judicial summons for questioning over allegations he helped launder Libyan funds on behalf of Sarkozy.
November 2020: Sarkozy's first trial begins
In November 2020, Sarkozy's first trial started, relating to the accusations from July 2014.
November 2020: Trial of Nicolas Sarkozy begins, postponed due to health reasons
On November 23, 2020, the trial of Nicolas Sarkozy commenced, where he faced charges of corruption and influence peddling for allegedly attempting to bribe a judge. However, the trial was postponed until November 26 due to a co-defendant's health concerns.
2020: Sarkozy Charged with Corruption
In 2020, Nicolas Sarkozy faced corruption charges by French prosecutors in two cases, including allegations of Libyan interference in the 2007 French elections, focusing on excessive campaign costs and payment methods.
March 2021: Sarkozy found guilty of corruption in wiretapping case
In March 2021, a court in Paris found former French President Nicolas Sarkozy guilty of corruption and trading in influence related to a wiretapping case involving magistrate Gilbert Azibert and Sarkozy's former lawyer Thierry Herzog. Sarkozy was sentenced to three years, with two suspended, and one in prison, but appealed the ruling.
May 2021: Second criminal trial begins for Sarkozy in Bygmalion scandal
In May 2021, Sarkozy's second criminal trial began, related to the Bygmalion Scandal involving allegations of diverting millions of euros intended for his 2012 re-election campaign and using a PR firm to cover it up.
September 2021: Sarkozy Receives Second Corruption Conviction
In September 2021, Nicolas Sarkozy received a second corruption conviction, resulting in a one-year sentence to be served under home confinement. His lawyer announced plans to appeal the decision.
September 2021: Sarkozy convicted in Bygmalion scandal
In September 2021, Sarkozy was convicted along with his co-defendants in the Bygmalion scandal and received a one-year prison sentence, with the option to serve it at home with an electronic bracelet.
2021: Corruption Conviction
In 2021, Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted of corruption in two separate trials.
April 2022: Sarkozy Endorses Macron in Election
In April 2022, despite his retirement from politics, Nicolas Sarkozy endorsed Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election.
February 2023: Sarkozy Visits Western Wall in Jerusalem
In February 2023, Nicolas Sarkozy, accompanied by his wife and daughter, visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, expressing their enthusiasm and friendship with Israel.
March 2023: Death of Pál Sárközy
In March 2023, Pál Sárközy de Nagy-Bócsa, Nicolas Sarkozy's father, passed away.
May 2023: Appeal Loss
In May 2023, Nicolas Sarkozy lost an appeal in his corruption case.
August 2023: Sarkozy advocates for Ukraine to remain "neutral"
In August 2023, in an interview with Le Figaro, Sarkozy suggested that Ukraine should maintain a "neutral" stance by not joining NATO or the EU. He also stated that France and Russia "need each other" and recommended that Macron "renew dialogue" with Putin. Additionally, Sarkozy called for Ukraine to accept the Russian occupation of Crimea and other contested territories, dismissing the idea of Crimea's return to Ukraine as "illusory".
November 2023: Sarkozy Participates in March Against Antisemitism
On 12 November 2023, Nicolas Sarkozy participated in the March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism in Paris, in response to the rise in antisemitism in France since the start of the Gaza war.
2023: Sarkozy's appeal denied and public office ban issued
In 2023, Sarkozy's attempt to appeal a decision was denied, resulting in a three-year ban from holding public office. However, he retains the option of serving his sentence from home using an electronic bracelet.
February 2024: Revised Sentence
In February 2024, Nicolas Sarkozy's campaign finance sentence was revised to six months in prison and six months suspended.
February 2024: Sarkozy to serve prison sentence for campaign overspending
In February 2024, an appeals court in Paris upheld a lower court decision requiring Sarkozy to serve his sentence for the campaign overspending conviction. The one-year sentence was revised to six months in prison and six months suspended.
December 2024: Court of Cassation rejects Sarkozy's appeal in Bygmalion scandal
In December 2024, the Court of Cassation rejected Nicolas Sarkozy's appeal in cassation related to the Bygmalion scandal, making his conviction final. He announced that he would refer the matter to the European Court of Human Rights.
December 2024: Sarkozy Sentenced to Prison for Corruption
On December 18, 2024, Nicolas Sarkozy was definitively sentenced to three years in prison, with one year to be served under electronic monitoring, for corruption and influence peddling. He has appealed the decision to the European Court of Human Rights.
September 2025: Criminal Conspiracy Conviction
In September 2025, Nicolas Sarkozy was convicted of criminal conspiracy over his "corruption pact" with Muammar Gaddafi.
September 2025: Sarkozy Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy
On 25 September 2025, Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of criminal conspiracy related to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 presidential campaign, though he was acquitted of other charges.
September 2025: Sarkozy convicted of criminal association in Libyan financing case
On September 25, 2025, Sarkozy was convicted of criminal association in the Libyan financing case and sentenced to five years in prison and a €100,000 fine. While acquitted of other charges, the court ruled the sentence enforceable pending appeal. This verdict occurred two days after the death of key accuser Ziad Takieddine.
2050: CO2 Emission Goals
On 8 June 2007, during the 33rd G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Sarkozy set a goal of reducing French CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2050 to prevent global warming. He also pushed forward Dominique Strauss-Kahn as the European nominee to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
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