France: Police inquiry threatens to derail Sarkozy comeback

Nicolas Sarkozy

Just as rumours about a potential bid by Sarkozy to recapture the presidency in 2017 were swirling, the former French president finds himself suspected of accepting millions in cash from a wealthy heiress suffering from poor mental health.

Still popular with right-wing voters, he has framed his future decision as a matter of duty to his country, telling right-leaning French magazine Valeurs Actuelles earlier this month: “There will unfortunately come a time when the question will no longer be ‘Do you want to?’ but ‘Do you have any choice?’.”

But Sarkozy’s hopes of moving back into the Elysée Palace in four years appeared damaged Friday morning, after the former French president was placed under investigation for illegal party financing.

Read more: Police inquiry threatens to derail Sarkozy comeback - FRANCE - FRANCE 24