NEW : Sarkozy tells French media he is ` ` deeply shocked '' Ex - PM Alain Juppe says he hopes Sarkozy 's statement will demonstrate his innocence . Former President Nicolas Sarkozy is placed under formal investigation , French media say . In recent months , speculation has grown that he might be positioning himself for a political comeback at the head of his center-right party , the UMP . French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says it is a ` ` serious matter ''
NEW : Sarkozy tells French media he is ` ` deeply shocked '' Ex - PM Alain Juppe says he hopes Sarkozy 's statement will demonstrate his innocence . Former President Nicolas Sarkozy is placed under formal investigation , French media say . French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says it is a ` ` serious matter ''