Ex-French president Sarkozy stripped of Legion of Honour

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been stripped of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction, following his conviction for graft, according to a decree published Sunday.

Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted last year of illegal attempts to secure favors from a judge. An appeals court upheld the conviction and replaced a one-year jail sentence with an electronic ankle bracelet, which was removed earlier this month.

Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s opposition, Sarkozy’s award was revoked in line with the order’s rules. He is only the second former head of state to lose the honor, after Nazi collaborator Philippe Petain in 1945.

Sarkozy is appealing the conviction at the European Court of Human Rights and faces a separate trial for alleged illegal campaign financing tied to former Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi. Prosecutors are seeking a seven-year prison term, but Sarkozy denies the charges.

Despite legal troubles, Sarkozy remains influential on the right and maintains ties with Macron.