Nicolas Sarkozy served as France 's president between 2007 and 2012 . The former French leader was the first to call for a referendum on EU membership in 2005, but he has since backed away from his earlier stance that it should be held before any negotiations with Brussels. After losing his re-election bid , Sarkozy `` was going to lose his diplomatic immunity , '' opening him up to potential prosecution . An investigative judge has placed him under formal investigation for breach of trust , his attorney says . Sarkozy is accused of taking advantage of an elderly L'Oreal heiress to fund a campaign .
Nicolas Sarkozy served as France 's president between 2007 and 2012 . The former French leader was the first to call for a referendum on EU membership in 2005, but he has since backed away from his earlier stance that it should be held before any negotiations with Brussels. An investigative judge has placed him under formal investigation for breach of trust , his attorney says . Sarkozy is accused of taking advantage of an elderly L'Oreal heiress to fund a campaign .