UPDATE: Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has opened up about his gripping 20-day stay in prison in his newly released memoir, Le Journal d’un Prisonnier. Just published less than three weeks ago, the book details his life in the isolation wing of Paris’ Santé prison, providing a rare glimpse into his turbulent experience.
According to reports from BBC, Sarkozy, inmate number 320535, describes his 12-square-meter cell, which included a bed, desk, refrigerator, shower, and television. Despite the amenities, he notes that a massive plastic panel blocked the view from his window, making the space feel claustrophobic.
“It was clean and bright enough,” the 70-year-old Sarkozy writes, adding that, “If it weren’t for the reinforced door with a peephole for guards to watch through, one might think they were in a two-star hotel.” His memoir spans 216 pages, packed with reflections on his incarceration.
Sarkozy was sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to illegally fund his electoral campaign with money from late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Released from prison in November, Sarkozy’s memoir sheds light on the harsh realities of his confinement.
Authorities confirmed that Sarkozy was mandated to remain in his cell for 23 hours a day, with contact limited solely to prison staff. Opting out of outdoor exercise, he described the yard as “more of a cage than a place for a walk,” instead choosing to exercise on a treadmill in a small gym he referred to as a “true oasis.”
In a surprising twist, Sarkozy reveals that he struggled to sleep due to a neighboring inmate who sang songs from the movie The Lion King throughout the night, banging a spoon against the cell bars. He was touched by the “kindness and respect” from guards, who addressed him as “President.”
Additionally, he decorated his cell walls with letters and postcards from supporters, highlighting the emotional toll of his imprisonment. The legal battle continues, as Sarkozy vehemently denies the charges against him, claiming he is a victim of politically motivated actions within the French justice system.
Responding to his exclusion from the Legion of Honor, Sarkozy views this as an opportunity to confront current French President Emmanuel Macron. Once an ally, Sarkozy has now distanced himself, stating that while he has “turned the page,” he won’t systematically oppose Macron’s policies or character.
This memoir adds a personal narrative to the ongoing discourse surrounding Sarkozy’s controversial legal troubles and the broader implications for French politics. As developments unfold, observers will be keen to see how this revelation affects public perception and Sarkozy’s political future.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sarkozy’s story and its impact on the French political landscape.
