It’s not every day a former modern-day president gets arrested. Today happens to be that day for former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy.

According to the Irish Times:

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was held today for questioning over suspicions that a network of informers kept him abreast of a separate inquiry into alleged irregularities in his 2007 election campaign, a legal source said.

It was the first time a former head of state had been held for questioning in modern French history. The conservative politician denies wrongdoing in a string of investigations which could derail his hopes of a come-back after his 2012 presidential election defeat by Francois Hollande.

Mr Sarkozy arrived early today to be questioned by investigators at their offices in Nanterre, west of Paris, after his lawyer was held for questioning yesterday.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy: “Who could have imagined that, in 2014 in France, the right to privacy would be violated by telephone taps?” Photograph: Reuters/Benoit TessierSarkozy compares French judges to East German Stasi

Asked about the matter, French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said Mr Sarkozy was “subject to justice just like everyone else.”
“Justice authorities are investigating and have to go all the way,” he said.

The former leader is the focus of an investigation launched in February into whether he sought to use his influence to get information about a separate inquiry into allegations that late Libyan leader Muammar Gadafy funded his 2007 election campaign.

[more here]

With my folks living in France, I do get exposed to more French news than most. Keep an eye on them – there is never a dull moment!

Oh you know he’s married to Jagger’s ex, Carla Bruni, right?

She’s done some nude modelling in her time.