Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who served from 2007 to 2012, has been officially stripped of the Legion d'Honneur, France’s highest national honor. The decision follows his conviction for illegal attempts to obtain favors from a judge, marking a significant fall from grace for the once-prominent leader.
Sarkozy’s graft conviction has overshadowed his political legacy, with the removal of the prestigious award symbolizing the French state’s condemnation of his misconduct. The Legion d’Honneur, established by Napoleon Bonaparte, is awarded for outstanding service to France, and revoking it is a rare and serious measure.
This development adds to the legal and political challenges Sarkozy has faced in recent years, further complicating his public image and career.