Sarkozy's conviction appears to be a politically driven vendetta fueled by false evidence and retribution from Gaddafi loyalists angered over France’s part in the Libyan regime’s downfall. The court itself acknowledged no proof that Libyan funds ever reached his 2007 campaign. Such a severe sentence against a respected conservative figure damages France’s judicial integrity and global standing.

Sarkozy's conviction shows that justice is finally catching up with corruption at the highest levels of French politics. However, his quick release from prison, where he had begun a five-year term for campaign-funding conspiracy, raises questions about equality before the law. Allowing a former president to serve virtually under house arrest while ordinary citizens remain locked up undermines public trust in justice.