Sarkozy Submits Additional Tables in Final Day of Libyan Funding Appeal

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy returned to the Paris Court of Appeal on May 4, 2026, presenting more tables in an effort to prove his innocence in the appeal trial over suspicions of Libyan financing for his 2007 presidential campaign. The tables, described as impenetrable, built on a series presented by his lawyers on April 29, 2026.

Sarkozy left the Cour d'Appel that same day, as the proceedings concluded.

Sarkozy stated that no money from intermediary Ziad Takieddine went into his 2007 presidential campaign. He added that a large share of the money Takieddine received was sent back to Libya as kickbacks. Le Monde reported that Sarkozy claimed to have provided 'irrefutable' proof through these summaries, distilling a clear narrative from the opaque figures.

The tables stemmed from the analysis of a USB drive provided by Takieddine's widow. She had copied files onto the drive from her husband's home during their divorce proceedings, aiming to avoid disadvantage after separation. The files were incomplete, particularly the documents in Arabic, which she does not speak.

Ziad Takieddine received millions of euros from the Libyans, according to the details presented in court. The court took the weekend to analyze the initial flood of figures before Sarkozy's return on May 4 with additional tables. Le Monde reported that this demonstration appeared unlikely to convince the judges, leaving Judge Olivier Géron unmoved on the final day of hearings.

The appeal trial focused on suspicions that Libyan funds supported Sarkozy's successful 2007 bid for the French presidency. Sarkozy's defense centered on the financial flows involving Takieddine, emphasizing that campaign funding was not involved. The USB drive's contents, though partial, formed the basis for the tables that Sarkozy's team used to argue against the charges.