The rise and fall of Nicolas Sarkozy: Former French president jailed in historic first

The rise and fall of Nicolas SarkozyThe Independent/ Camille Chorley

Transcript

00:00Nicolas Sarkozy embraces his wife, Carla Bruni, as he leaves their home to start a five-year prison sentence,

00:08marking a stunning downfall for the former French president.

00:12Let me explain what is a first in French history.

00:16Elected in 2007 and nicknamed Bling Bling and the Hyper President,

00:21Sarkozy dazzled with charisma, glamour and ruthless ambition.

00:25His abrasive style and his focus on wealth cost him his re-election in 2012.

00:32Even in retirement, Sarkozy stayed influential, giving advice to now President Emmanuel Macron.

00:39Earlier this year, the court found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy in a scheme that operated from 2005 to 2007

00:48to finance his campaign with funds from Libya in exchange for diplomatic favors.

00:55He was acquitted of three other charges, including passive corruption, illegal campaign financing

01:02and concealment of the embezzlement of public funds.

01:06Sarkozy has consistently denied wrongdoing and called the case politically motivated,

01:13saying judges were seeking to humiliate him.

01:15Sarkozy's isolation unit at La Santé prison in Paris features inmates who are housed in single cells

01:23and kept apart during outdoor activities for security reasons.

01:28His conditions are the same as the rest of a prison.

01:32Sarkozy will have access to a television for a monthly fee of 14 euros.

01:38Sarkozy's prison sentence has sparked debate across France, with protests held in Paris.

01:44Sarkozy's prison sentence has sparked debate across France, with protests held in Paris.

01:48Sarkozy's prison sentence won by the

01:53Department of Public Affairs and Public Affairs.

01:56Sarkozy's prison sentence has caused