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While he was transported at the Parisian detention facility this week, the former French leader published a declaration overflowing with resistance via social media, writing, "It's not a ex-leader of the republic who is being jailed today, it's an innocent man." An appellate court will eventually give its view the accuracy of this assertion. But unfortunately for the ex-president, the spectacle and impact of his fall cannot be ignored.

The Legal Judgment

The French head of state from 2007 to 2012, Mr Sarkozy was convicted of unlawful plotting to obtain illegal financing from the regime of the late Libyan dictator, the Libyan strongman. Sentenced to a five-year prison term, he has become the initial ex-head of an EU member state to be imprisoned, and the earliest French head of state since the dishonored head of wartime France, the Vichy leader. Across France where the democratically selected head of state possesses a quasi-monarchical status, this week's remarkable event was a historic occasion.

Citizen Confidence and Legal Consequences

In an era when confidence in political systems in France has declined drastically to the point where alarms are sounding, it was also a salutary demonstration that no one is above the law. In a poll issued this week, a majority of participants said that they thought a large number of government figures were unethical, and almost 90% said that the majority behaved predominantly out of self-interest. While judging Mr Sarkozy and directing that his incarceration should commence promptly, the presiding magistrate, Nathalie Gavarino, noted that she took into account both the exceptionally grave nature of the violations and the fact that they were "likely to undermine public confidence."

Judicial Threats

Those thoughts might be deemed typical, notably because that Mr Sarkozy has before been found guilty in separate corruption cases. Yet the former president's case and its aftermath have alarmingly revealed the degree to which within the nation, as in different nations, the legal system is endangered by a newly fashionable disdain for courts and the effort to control of societal perspectives.

In Trumpian fashion, an exhaustive and meticulous legal process has been groundlessly presented by his backers as a legal conspiracy and leftwing vendetta. Subsequent to the decision last month, the ex-leader publicly criticized his punishment as illegal and censured the "animosity" with "no boundaries" that supposedly drove it. Since high-ranking leaders and advocates from the right and far right have filled the airwaves and right-leaning media with the similar rhetoric, Ms Gavarino has received numerous death threats.

Societal Feedback

Hearteningly, the public seems unconvinced. A survey after the ruling found significant majorities backing both the handling of the legal case and his sentencing. But the spectacle, and the obvious try to weaken the standing of the legal system, was very likely merely a dress rehearsal. During winter, Marine Le Pen's court petition against a guilty verdict for embezzlement of political funds will be heard. Should she lose it, the conservative figure will be ruled out from participating in the future campaign.

Long-term Effects

Within a divided and skeptical country, that will be a perilous moment for the country's courts to navigate. Mr Sarkozy could still be freed ahead of his next legal challenge, following a request by his attorneys. However the reckless and unfounded criticisms on the judicial framework throughout his case have created a negative standard.