will he still receive his elected compensation?

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– Does Nicolas Sarkozy still receive his compensation despite his conviction?

For Nicolas Sarkozy, the sanction has fallen. On December 18, the former President of the Republic was sentenced in the wiretapping affair three years in prison, one of which is closed under electronic bracelet, for corruption and influence peddling. The Court of Cassation in fact rejected his appeal. Although the former head of state has announced his desire to refer the matter to the European Court of Human Rights, the sentences handed down must still be carried out. Nicolas Sarkozy is especially ineligible for a period of three years, even if he has stayed away from political life for several years.

But will he receive his compensation as a former elected official? French MP, former minister, then MEP, mayor of Neuilly-sur-Seine and President of the Republic (2007-2012), Nicolas Sarkozy receives compensation from the State. But nothing is questioned despite the conviction, assures Actu.fr of the Spinosi firm which is handling his case. “We cannot take away the fact of being a former president”adds the professor of constitutional law and public law at the University of Toulouse, and expert of the lawyers' club, Pierre Égéa.

An annuity for life

According to this specialist contacted by our colleagues, “no provision of the Constitution implies the withdrawal of compensation”. As ministerNicolas Sarkozy don't touch anything anymorebecause all former ministers and secretaries of state do receive compensation after their departure, but for a maximum of three years. Unless, of course, they find a paid activity in the meantime. On the other hand, as former President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy continues to receive a lifetime pension.

This compensation was established by a law of 1955, which specifies in article 19 that it “former Presidents of the French Republic are allocated an annual grant of an amount equal to that of the gross salary of a State Councilor in ordinary service”. In other words, according to our colleagues, approximately 6,000 euros gross per month. In addition, the former president is entitled to a company car, a security service, a cabinet, secretaries, etc.

Nice income since his withdrawal from political life

Last year, Capital had calculated what François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy had cost the State in 2022. The former president of the Republicans had cost nearly 197,000 eurosor 25,000 euros less than its successor. On the other hand, he waived his compensation to the Constitutional Council which brought him nearly 13,000 euros per month. But the former president is not left out. Through the sale of his books, conferences or speeches in favor of foundations or structures, he would have touched no less than 18 million euros between 2013 and 2019!