Sarkozy was rolling out the red carpet for Qaddafi (not metaphorically, he literally rolled out a red carpet and let him pitch a tent at the Elysée[0]) only to

Sarkozy was rolling out the red carpet for Qaddafi (not metaphorically, he literally rolled out a red carpet and let him pitch a tent at the Elysée[0]) only to be the loudest mouth to call air strikes on him a few years later[1]. If you're not high enough in a position of power but only halfway there, you might see a prison cell like Balkany but you just have to claim to have attempted suicide and say you're too old and you'll be let out[2]. Try being suicidal in the French prison system without having embezzled millions and I can guarantee it won't go that well for you. In Balkany's case, you can even dance in the streets and be recorded in perfect health afterwards and all will be well. The only messages being given are that if you've made it to the top you can go to your death bed having done anything without seeing a prison cell, and if you've stolen millions in public funds you can just say you're frail and dance about your freedom in the streets[3] afterwards. [0] https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/world/europe/10iht-france.4.8676568.html https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/world/europe/10iht-france... [1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/nicolas-sarkozy-libya-air-strikes https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/11/nicolas-sarkoz... [2] https://fcced.com/fmr-french-mayor-jailed-money-laundering-released/ https://fcced.com/fmr-french-mayor-jailed-money-laundering-r... [3] https://ananova.news/paris-mayor-too-weak-for-jail-seen-dancing-in-street/ https://ananova.news/paris-mayor-too-weak-for-jail-seen-danc...