French prosecutors seek seven years for Sarkozy in Libya funding appeal

French prosecutors on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, asked an appeals court in Paris to sentence former President Nicolas Sarkozy to seven years in prison over allegations he sought illicit Libyan financing for his 2007 presidential campaign. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

The request came during an appeal trial linked to claims that Sarkozy or those acting for him pursued a deal involving money from Libya under Moammar Gadhafi. Prosecutors described Sarkozy as the “instigator” of the alleged pact.

A lower court previously sentenced Sarkozy to five years for seeking to acquire the funding but acquitted him on three other charges: corruption, illegal campaign financing, and receiving misappropriated Libyan public funds. Prosecutors had also sought seven years in the first trial.

Sarkozy told the court his campaign received “not a single cent of Libyan money.”

Alleged pact and prior sentence

Prosecutors said the alleged agreement was aimed at securing campaign funds in exchange for help restoring Gadhafi’s international image. Libya’s reputation had been damaged by accusations related to two plane bombings, prosecutors said.

Sarkozy, 71, became the first modern French former president to be incarcerated in connection with the case, serving 20 days before being released pending the appeal.

Decision expected Nov. 30 and further appeals possible

The court is expected to deliver its decision on Nov. 30. If he is convicted again, Sarkozy could appeal to France’s highest court.

Since leaving office, Sarkozy has faced multiple accusations, which he has denied. He also has two definitive convictions in separate cases tied to campaign overspending and attempting to influence a judge.

The next key date is the Nov. 30 ruling, which will determine whether the case moves to a further appeal or proceeds to sentencing.