Nicolas Sarkozy defends himself after his conviction
Nicolas Sarkozy was the guest of the 8pm news on TF1, Wednesday March 3, 2021. AFP - LUDOVIC MARIN
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
After his sentence on Monday to three years in prison, two of which were suspended, for corruption and influence peddling in the so-called "tapping" affair, Nicolas Sarkozy counter-attacked, first with an interview in Le Figaro, then , a few hours later, live on television.
The former President of the Republic says he is determined to wash his honor.
Publicity
Read more
The line of defense of the former President of the Republic is clear: Nicolas Sarkozy thinks he is the victim of judicial harassment.
"
I'm just asking if it is normal to be sentenced to three years in prison when there is not a penny, when there is no proof, and when after seven years of investigation, we do not found nothing
, ”he launched Wednesday evening March 3 on TF1.
Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced
Monday, March 1 to three in prison, including one firm, for corruption and influence peddling in the so-called "wiretapping" affair.
A decision he appealed.
No question, however, for the former president, guarantor of independent justice, to go as far as the right, the National Rally or rebellious France, who cry for political justice.
"
I have never spoken of political justice, but there are rules and there is no reason for these rules to be flouted for the simple reason that it is about me,
" said the former president. .
"
I know the difference between the behavior of some and an institution
", he added, hammering: "
I will not fall into the trap of a political fight against an institution that I respect
".
"A deep injustice"
Words more measured than in his camp, but a determination to wash away his honor.
"
I came to say to the French: I will fight to the end so that the truth triumphs
", he assured, repeating: "
I will not lower my head because I am reproached for the facts that I do not. have not committed
”.
But "
I am used to undergoing this harassment for ten years
", he assured.
"
What is happening today is a deep injustice and the truth will explode
."
Nicolas Sarkozy addresses the French and sends a message to the right: a return to 2022 is no.
"
I confirm that I do not intend to return to politics, I have turned the page,
he assured.
But that does not mean that I have turned the page on France.
I will say when I know the candidates the one I support because the deadline that awaits us will be the very important deadline.
"
Chase the natural, it comes back at a gallop.
Nicolas Sarkozy did not resist the temptation to talk politics.
"
I said it to Emmanuel Macron
: the only solution is to vaccinate day and night
", allowed the former president, history not to leave the arena completely.
►
To read also:
France: the other cases which await Nicolas Sarkozy
Newsletter
Receive all international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
Nicolas sarkozy
Justice
France
On the same subject
After his conviction, Nicolas Sarkozy initiates the response
Conviction of Nicolas Sarkozy: the end of the right-wing appeal for the 2022 presidential election
International press review
On the front page: Sarkozy condemned, the European press welcomes a "revolutionary" judgment