Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s president from 2007 to 2012, has been formally stripped of the Legion of Honor, the nation’s highest civilian and military distinction, following his 2021 corruption conviction. A decree published Sunday confirmed the revocation, mandated under the order’s rules after Sarkozy received a one-year sentence—later reduced to house arrest—for attempting to bribe a judge in exchange for confidential legal information.

This marks a historic fall from grace, making Sarkozy only the second French head of state to lose the honor after Philippe Pétain, the Vichy leader convicted of treason in 1945. Sarkozy, 70, recently had his electronic bracelet removed but continues appealing his conviction at the European Court of Human Rights. Meanwhile, he faces another trial over alleged illegal campaign financing from Libya’s late dictator Moammar Gadhafi, with a verdict due in September.

Despite his legal battles, Sarkozy remains influential in conservative circles, even enjoying meetings with President Emmanuel Macron, who opposed revoking the award but could not override the law. The decision underscores the enduring scrutiny of Sarkozy’s controversial legacy.

Note: In a case related to a large payout from businessman Bernard Tapie (400 millions) , Christine Lagarde was found guilty as France’s Finance Minister, but she did not receive a sentence or a criminal record !!!