Nicolas Sarkozy, like Gérard Depardieu, risks losing his Legion of Honor after his conviction

JUSTICE – One jewel chases another. The former President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, was definitively convicted this Wednesday, December 18, for corruption and influence peddling, in the Paul Bismuth affair. A first for a French head of state with consequences in terms of accessories and symbols. If the latter will now be fitted with an electronic bracelet for a year, he is also likely to lose the medal conferred on him by his title of Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor.

In fact, article R91 of the Legion of Honor code could not be more precise. It indicates that exclusion is automatic for “ persons convicted of a crime (and) those sentenced to a non-suspended prison sentence of one year or more “. In this case, Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced at first instance in 2021 to one year in prison, to be served under an electronic bracelet.

Still in the aspect of sanctions, article R92 of the Grand Chancellery recalls that: “ Any person who has been sentenced to a criminal sentence may be excluded from the order. ».

Before getting there, however, it is a very specific disciplinary journey – yet another one – which awaits the legionnaire. For example, the Minister of Justice must send a copy of the judgment to the order. The accused can then provide explanations and defend himself. It is only then that the Council of the Order meets to vote, the decision having to carry a two-thirds majority.

Depardieu, Guéant… The previous ones written off

In 2023, the Minister of Culture, Rima Abdul Malak, requested that such a procedure be initiated against Gérard Depardieu, after his comments in the issue of Further investigation which had been dedicated to him on France 2. He had notably made statements with sexual connotations towards a little girl who was riding horses. Since then, nothing has leaked about the ongoing procedure, the actor has just made it known that he has his medal available to the minister.

Procedures for withdrawing the Legion of Honor remain rare, around thirty personalities have been deprived of their medal. Besides Gérard Depardieu, Nicolas Sarkozy would join the ranks made up of Bachar al-Assad, Maurice Papon or a certain Claude Guéant. The former secretary general of the Élysée and former Minister of the Interior under Nicolas Sarkozy, was convicted in 2017 in the cabinet bonus affair.

A form of full double for the former President of the Republic? The latter remains in any case awaiting several final decisions in other judicial series. Which could also have a negative impact on the Legion of Honor.

Also see on HuffPost :