Former President Nicolas Sarkozy found guilty of breaking France's campaign finance laws
CBSN
Paris — Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty Thursday of illegal campaign financing of his unsuccessful 2012 reelection bid. Sarkozy wasn't present at the Paris court for the verdict's announcement. He is accused of having spent almost twice the maximum legal amount of 22.5 million euros ($27.5 million) on the reelection bid that he lost to Socialist Francois Hollande.
The court stated that Sarkozy "knew" the legal limit was at stake and "voluntarily" failed to supervise additional expenses. Sarkozy, France's president from 2007 to 2012, has vigorously denied wrongdoing. He can appeal the decision, but if the conviction is upheld he faces a potential prison term.

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