Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy refused to participate in the presidential elections to be held in the country in 2022. He stated this in an interview with Figaro.
The ex-head of state stressed that the corresponding decision was dictated by a non-conviction for corruption and trading in influence. “This is another personal reflection that worries me, my family, and which prompted me to decide to leave,” the politician said.
Sarkozy also recalled that he is still a member of his political party of Republicans and does not intend to leave it, and also added that he is not indifferent to the fate of France. At the same time, the former leader of the country noted that he would not be engaged in active political activity, even if the court issued an acquittal.
On March 1, a Paris court sentenced Sarkozy to three years in prison, and one year in real prison, in a case of corruption and trading in influence. Two other defendants in the case – former lawyer of Sarkozy Thierry Erzog and ex-judge Gilbert Azibert – were found guilty of divulging professional secrets and received similar sentences.