France's Sarkozy appeals conviction in illegal campaign financing case

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives on the opening day of his appeal trial in the "Bygmalion" case, which concerns the illegal financing of his lost presidential campaign in 2012, at the courthouse in Paris, France, November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

PARIS (Reuters) - Former president Nicolas Sarkozy appeared in court on Tuesday to appeal a 2021 conviction for illegal campaign financing over his failed 2012 re-election bid.

Sarkozy, who remains an important figure in French politics although he no longer holds any elected post, faces a string of trials and investigations, in a stunning fall from grace.