Nicolas Sarkozy /prison

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sentenced in March to life in prison on charges of attempting to bribe a judge and corruption. He was the first former president of that country to be convicted. Although he was sentenced to life in prison for challenging the verdict, he was again sentenced to one year in prison in connection with the 2012 election campaign. Some European newspapers feel that the incident marks the beginning of a "new era" in France, while others see the courts as fulfilling their responsibilities.

Germany's 'The Daily Mirror' has expressed satisfaction with the expectation. "France may have seen some presidents who have been aggressive in many ways, but they have not been punished. But now the courts are also getting tougher. So the outcome of Sarkozy's execution is an important sign, "the newspaper said. France's presidential election is six months away. In that regard, the newspaper says, Sarkozy's plans to keep his eye on the right-wing candidate selection should be thwarted, and candidates should be more transparent about their financiers than ever before.