Proceedings against France's ex-First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy over affair involving election campaign funds
This statement is in relation to the testimonies of a witness who accused Nicolas Sarkozy of financing his 2007 election campaign with money from Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi. Bruni-Sarkozy was placed under judicial control, except for her husband, who was prohibited from having any contact with the suspects in the affair.
In the ongoing legal proceedings against Nicolas Sarkozy and several other suspects since October 2023, the focus is on the testimonies of the Franco-Lebanese intermediary Ziad Takieddine. Initially, Takieddine testified in court that he handed over suitcases full of cash from Gaddafi's coffers to Sarkozy in 2006 and 2007. Later, Takieddine retracted his statements unexpectedly.
The judiciary is investigating Nicolas Sarkozy and his PR advisor Michèle Marchand for witness tampering. Initially, Bruni-Sarkozy was only heard as a witness. However, the investigators noticed that Bruni-Sarkozy had deleted all messages she had exchanged with Marchand - just before the judiciary initiated proceedings against this person.
- The accusations against former French President Nicolas Sarkozy involve alleged Election campaign funds from Libya's late leader, Muammar al-Gaddafi.
- Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the ex-First Lady of France, was initially just a witness in the case, but her role has since become more prominent.
- In the legal proceedings related to the scandal, Lady Bruni-Sarkozy was placed under judicial control, except for restricting her husband's contact with the suspects.
- The Paris court is currently examining testimonies related to the affair, including those of former French leader Sarkozy, his advisor Michèle Marchand, and the Franco-Lebanese intermediary Ziad Takieddine.
- Takieddine initially testified that he delivered suitcases filled with cash from Gaddafi's funds to Sarkozy during his 2006 and 2007 election campaigns.
- However, Takieddine later retracted his statements, leading to uncertainties in the Justice system's procedure.
- The legal proceedings against Sarkozy and Marchand have focused on the allegations of tampering with potential witnesses, including Bruni-Sarkozy.
- As the election campaign funds scandal continues to unfold, France's political landscape and Nicolas Sarkozy's political future remain under scrutiny.
