"Afraid Someone Spit in the Food"... Incarcerated Former French President Eats Only Yogurt in Prison

First Former French Head of State Imprisoned
Distrusts Prison Food... Concerns Over Health Impact

Nicolas Sarkozy, the former President of France and the first leader of the Fifth Republic to be incarcerated, is reportedly consuming very little of the food served in prison.

According to Yonhap News on November 6 (local time), citing reports from the French weekly Le Point and others, Sarkozy has been eating only yogurt instead of the meals provided since his incarceration at Paris's Sant? Prison.

This behavior is reportedly due to his distrust of the food, as well as personal concerns about hygiene and safety. He is said to harbor suspicions and fears that someone might spit in his food or put something worse in it. Media outlets have pointed out that such a restricted diet could have long-term health consequences.

Nicolas Sarkozy, former President of France. Photo by Yonhap News

Currently, Sarkozy is being held in a single cell measuring 9 square meters (approximately 2.7 pyeong) at Sant? Prison in Paris. The cell is equipped with a shower and toilet, and for a monthly fee of 14 euros (about 23,000 won), he can use a TV and telephone.

Sarkozy served as President of France from 2007 to 2012 and has been involved in various legal proceedings since leaving office. His current incarceration follows a first-instance court ruling on charges of criminal conspiracy, alleging that he allowed his associates to attempt to secure campaign funds from the Libyan regime for the 2007 presidential election. The court sentenced him to five years in prison, part of which is being served as actual jail time. This marks the first time since World War II that a former French head of state has been imprisoned, and he is also the first leader of a European Union member state to be incarcerated.

Sarkozy was previously convicted in 2021 on charges of obstruction of justice and corruption, and was also found responsible in the so-called "Bygmalion case" involving excessive campaign spending. These rulings have sparked debate in France over the issue of judicial accountability for former presidents.

Sarkozy's legal team has applied for bail, with a bail hearing scheduled for the 10th. Depending on the outcome, he could be released about 20 days after his incarceration. However, as higher court appeals remain, his final sentence and legal responsibility will be determined after further judicial review.