Paris, 16th of March 2026 – On the 25th of September 2025, the Paris Criminal Court convicted former French president Nicolas Sarkozy of criminal conspiracy in the Libyan financing case. As the appeal trial opens this Monday, the 16th of March, the three anti-corruption organisations in France, Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France, stand united in calling for calm during the proceedings – only way to ensure that truth comes to light and that the victims are respected.

The public interest called into question by the Libyan funding case

The court acknowledged, at first instance, that when the facts in question undermine public integrity, the actions of civil society organisations can contribute to establishing the truth and effectively protecting the rule of law. In this regard, the three organisations with anti-corruption accreditation in France, Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France, once again joined the appeal proceedings as civil parties.

The initial trial resulted in serious breaches of judicial independence and repeated attacks on the public interest mission of fighting corruption carried out by our organisations. In this context, it is imperative to protect democratic counter-powers. This trial offers an opportunity to reaffirm that respect for the separation of powers remains an essential condition for the balance and strength of institutions.

Exceptionally serious allegations, indicative of corruption at the highest levels of government

The initial hearings revealed the strength of the case and the seriousness of the allegations. Despite the acquittals, the Paris Criminal Court recognised the existence of a corruption pact in its ruling. This appeal represents an opportunity to address issues related to violations of integrity.

It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that corruption is not a victimless crime. At a time when France is experiencing a major crisis of public confidence, this affair is fueling citizens’ mistrust of their elected representatives and institutions. Beyond the national territory, it also represents a deprivation of public resources, initially intended for the Libyan population, which were diverted for the benefit of a political and economic elite.

A trial revealing of the threats to democracy and the rule of law

The hidden financing of election campaigns – which relies on a complex network of actors, financial transactions and legal arrangements – undermines the democratic pact. Every euro embezzled or illegally injected is a direct attack on sovereignty. For the past twenty years, no presidential election has escaped scandal in France, and serious threats of foreign interference already hang over upcoming elections.

Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France expect this appeal trial to prompt a genuine response from public representatives, proportionate to the seriousness of the facts. The challenge lies in guaranteeing and protecting the independence of the justice system, for which they are responsible.

This case exposes deep systemic flaws – a wake-up call that must now be transformed into political will, in the service of transparency and democracy. Finally, our three organisations reiterate that “the fight against corruption is not just a matter of integrity: it is a prerequisite for protecting the rule of law and maintaining effective democracy”.

Contact :

• Inès Filippigh, Communications Officer : ines.filippigh@transparency-france.org, +33 7 66 90 14 14