France Begins Formal Inquiry Against Sarkozy

After 15 hours of questioning yesterday, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy emerged as the star of his very own formal investigation into allegations that he peddled influence. It's a staggering turn of events Le Figaro calls a "shock wave," and an unprecedented one for a former French president, notes the BBC—particularly as Sarkozy had his eye on a political comeback. Sarkozy appeared before a judge last night; the judge will now determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant charges. France also opened formal investigations against Sarkozy's lawyer and a prosecutor. (More Nicolas Sarkozy stories.)