On Tuesday morning, a crowd gathered outside the residence of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, singing the national anthem as he prepared for incarceration.
Supporters held portraits of the right-wing leader, who served as president from 2007 to 2012, while others waved the French flag or wore t-shirts emblazoned with his image.
Among them was Priya Martin, 62, who traveled from her suburban home to Paris before dawn.
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“Being here was crucial, even if we didn’t get to see him,” Martin remarked.
“What matters is that he witnesses our support before entering prison.”
‘A Sorrowful Day for France’
Last month, a court convicted Sarkozy of attempting to secure campaign funds from Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign, sentencing him to five years in prison.
“It’s indeed a sorrowful day for France and democracy,” expressed Flora Amanou, 41, a supporter who closely followed his political journey.
Marie-Josephine Paysa, an 80-year-old Paris resident, came at dawn to express her support.
Valerie Ghibeaux, 66, felt the sentence was intended to “humiliate Nicolas Sarkozy and our nation.”
Sarkozy’s family, including his 28-year-old son Louis, a mayoral candidate in southern France, called for the rally.
The small street of Pierre Guerin in Paris filled with demonstrators as residents of the upscale 16th district observed from their balconies.
A banner draped over the railings of his home read, “Good luck Nicolas, return soon.”
‘Welcome Sarkozy’
While many supporters were older, some younger individuals also cheered as Sarkozy emerged hand-in-hand with his wife, singer Carla Bruni.
Marick Braide, 24, traveled from the suburb of Montreuil to see the former president.
“It was vital for me to show my support and demonstrate that people from various generations share this sentiment,” he said.
Sarkozy, donning a white shirt, dark blue sweater, and jacket, embraced his wife, dressed in black, before waving to supporters and entering the car bound for prison.
As the prison gates closed, some inmates whistled.
“Sarkozy’s here,” one shouted. “Welcome Sarkozy!” added another.
