The severity of Nicolas Sarkozy's conviction on appeal is yet another episode in the tumultuous relationship between the former head of state and the magistrates. By going beyond the prosecution's requests, the judges wanted to recall their power as much as their independence.
The issue is not, however, a match between magistrates and politicians, the former being in principle good and infallible vigilantes, and the latter being abominable corrupt. In every trial, in every case, the judge has to prove his or her innocence.