February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Kalderon Walked Free

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The liberation of Franco-Israeli hostage Ofer Kalderon, alongside Yarden Bibas and Keith Siegel, dominated morning coverage. Hamas transferred the hostages to the Red Cross while Israel released three busloads of Palestinian prisoners. The exchange occurred amid Trump's implementation of new tariffs against China, Canada, and Mexico, triggering immediate retaliation threats from Trudeau.

A medical jet crash in Philadelphia claimed six lives, while a nursing home fire in Val-d'Oise caused three deaths and nine injuries. A rockslide on RN 90 disrupted access to Tarentaise ski resorts, stranding numerous travelers.

By evening, Prime Minister Bayrou announced his decision to invoke Article 49.3 to force through both state and social security budgets on Monday, following failed negotiations with Socialist Party members who remained hesitant despite earlier concessions.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Day of Three Budgets and Three Borders

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François Bayrou announced his decision to use Article 49.3 for both state and social security budgets, sparking immediate reactions from opposition parties. LFI declared it "the worst budget in 25 years" and filed a censure motion, while Socialist Party leaders remained divided despite previous concessions.

Trump's implementation of new tariffs against Canada, Mexico, and China triggered immediate retaliation threats. His statement about making Canada the "51st state" and admission that Americans might "suffer" from these measures dominated international coverage.

A major rockslide in Savoie stranded 1,500 travelers and disrupted access to ski resorts, while the Louvre announced a new separate ticket requirement for viewing the Mona Lisa. By evening, Louis Boyard's defeat in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges municipal election to the LR candidate marked a symbolic setback for the left.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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The Day Two Prime Ministers Used Force

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The Grammy Awards headlines dominated morning coverage, with French metal band Gojira winning for their Olympic performance and Beyoncé taking Album of the Year. By afternoon, attention shifted to Prime Minister Bayrou's double use of Article 49.3 to force through both state and social security budgets without parliamentary vote.

The Socialist Party's decision not to support censure motions marked a significant break with the rest of the left, particularly LFI. The decision followed extensive negotiations from previous days and effectively secured Bayrou's position.

Trump's trade threats against Europe prompted Macron to call for EU retaliation, while discussions about water quality and cancer rates emerged as new concerns. A security incident at Gare d'Austerlitz, where railway security shot a man carrying a fake weapon, ended with the suspect in critical condition.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Waters Found Their Truth

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Morning coverage centered on Trump's suspension of tariffs against Canada and Mexico, while China announced retaliatory measures targeting American hydrocarbons and Google. By midday, the Nestlé water scandal escalated as documents revealed government complicity in allowing illegal filtration methods, prompting LFI's Mathilde Panot to announce legal action despite Macron's denials of collusion.

The political crisis around Bayrou's budget reached resolution as both RN and PS confirmed they would not support censure motions, with Bardella citing stability concerns. The PS's decision created further ruptures within the NFP alliance.

Evening news shifted to Ukraine as Zelensky signaled readiness for direct talks with Putin, while new revelations emerged about Russian military tactics in the Donbass offensive. The Chevaline investigation advanced with focus on a special forces operative.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Trump Claimed Gaza

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Trump's declaration about US control of Gaza dominated French media coverage, beginning with midnight reports of his meeting with Netanyahu. The plan, involving Palestinian displacement and transformation into a "Middle East Riviera," generated waves of diplomatic responses throughout the day. By morning, Hamas denounced it as "racist," while French authorities formally opposed "forced displacement," emphasizing the necessity of a Palestinian state solution.

Meanwhile, the Bayrou budget crisis continued its resolution phase, with censure motions scheduled for debate. New revelations about his defense of a Catholic institution near Pau added pressure. The Chevaline murder investigation advanced with focus on a special forces operative suspect.

In business news, the anticipated Honda-Nissan merger collapsed. A meningitis outbreak in Rennes caused one death, with forty contact cases identified. French national Serge Atlaoui returned home after 17 years on death row in Indonesia.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Mayotte Lost Its Soil

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Saint-Brieuc's Cup victory over Nice dominated early coverage before attention shifted to Decathlon's Uyghur forced labor scandal. The morning saw extensive discussion of Trump's "Gaza 2035" plan, following his previous day's declaration about US control of Gaza.

By evening, Parliament's adoption of restrictions on birthright citizenship in Mayotte emerged as the central story, marking a significant shift in French territorial policy. Simultaneously, the government suspended controversial VAT reforms for self-employed workers after widespread opposition, demonstrating another policy retreat following the agricultural crisis.

Late coverage focused on the Egypt-led Gaza ceasefire negotiations, reportedly weakened by Israel's support for Trump's plan. Sports coverage concluded with Bourgoin-Jallieu's elimination from the Cup on penalties against Reims, while political tensions surfaced in Parliament with antisemitism accusations between RN and LFI deputies.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day The Bracelet Found Its President

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The morning began with FNSEA's historic loss in agricultural elections to Rural Coordination, continuing the previous week's agricultural crisis momentum. By midday, François Bayrou shifted national discourse by calling for a broader debate on French identity beyond birthright citizenship, sparking responses from across the political spectrum. A Macronist deputy left his parliamentary group in protest.

The afternoon centered on Nicolas Sarkozy receiving his electronic monitoring bracelet - a first for a former French president. Simultaneously, Macron announced an aggressive AI development strategy through the new Current AI foundation, while content creators protested against AI companies' use of their work.

Evening coverage focused on the Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange announcement, with three Israeli hostages to be freed Saturday, while Russian forces captured Toretsk in northern Donbass, marking their first significant territorial gain of 2025.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Two Children Left The World

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Morning coverage centered on the funeral of young Émile, whose remains were found after 19 months of searching. The ceremony occurred as news broke of 11-year-old Louise's body discovery in Essonne woods, with initial reports of multiple stab wounds.

The fifth Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange proceeded as scheduled, with three Israeli hostages (Or Levy, Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami) exchanged for 183 Palestinian prisoners - following Trump's controversial Gaza plan from earlier this week.

François Bayrou's government continued pushing its identity politics agenda, extending beyond Mayotte's birthright citizenship restrictions to broader national debates. Marine Le Pen gathered with European far-right leaders in Madrid, while Nicolas Sarkozy, following his electronic monitoring bracelet assignment, announced suspension of his former president activities.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Day AI Found Its Price

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Trump's claimed Ukraine peace plan dominated morning coverage, with Netanyahu promptly endorsing Trump's parallel Gaza displacement strategy. The news cycle shifted as investigators searched for Louise's murder weapon in Épinay-sur-Orge woods, mobilizing over 120 officers.

By afternoon, coverage centered on final preparations for the Paris AI Summit, with Meta's Yann LeCun presenting an alternative vision to current AI development. The discovery cycle returned to Louise's case when the initial suspects were released without charges.

Evening coverage crystallized around Macron's €109 billion AI investment announcement, positioning France within a coalition of eight nations developing "public interest" AI. This marked France's most significant technological commitment since the 1960s nuclear program, though questions emerged about competition with American tech giants and Chinese state initiatives.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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The Day Minds Sought Their Price

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The Paris AI Summit opened as Macron announced €109 billion in investments, with significant contributions from UAE and Canadian firms. The announcement sparked immediate debates about Europe's technological sovereignty and environmental concerns about AI's resource consumption.

The murder investigation of 11-year-old Louise in Épinay-sur-Orge intensified with the discovery of her phone in the woods and multiple stab wounds confirmed by autopsy. By evening, three suspects were in custody - a 23-year-old homeless man, his mother, and another 23-year-old man.

François Bayrou survived his third censure motion but immediately triggered another 49.3 procedure for the social security budget. Meanwhile, Macron's nomination of Richard Ferrand to head the Constitutional Council generated controversy over his legal qualifications, while Trump's announcement of 25% metal tariffs prompted European preparations for trade confrontation.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day DNA Spoke

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The murder investigation of Louise dominated coverage as evidence mounted against the 23-year-old suspect. Morning reports revealed surveillance footage identifications and cuts on the suspect's hands, while afternoon coverage confirmed DNA matches between the suspect and traces found on Louise's body. Three additional suspects from the main suspect's family were taken into custody.

The Paris AI Summit concluded with 61 countries, including China and India but excluding the US and UK, signing an agreement for "ethical" AI development. The summit highlighted growing tensions between European and American approaches to AI regulation, with US Vice President J.D. Vance warning against "excessive regulation."

Trump's ultimatum to Hamas regarding hostage release by Saturday noon prompted Netanyahu to align with the position, while the EU prepared counter-measures against Trump's new metal tariffs.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Fortnite Led to Murder

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The murder case of Louise evolved through detailed revelations. Morning headlines confirmed Owen L.'s confession, while his sister's previous violence complaint surfaced. By afternoon, the prosecutor's press conference revealed the murder's trigger: Owen L.'s rage after a Fortnite game loss led him to seek someone to rob, resulting in Louise's death when she resisted.

Meanwhile, Trump and Putin's phone conversation initiated immediate Ukraine negotiations, with Zelensky later confirming separate discussions with Trump. The Russian side rejected Zelensky's earlier territorial exchange proposal, while Pentagon chief stressed Europe must provide the "overwhelming" share of future Ukraine aid.

Evening brought a grenade explosion in a Grenoble bar with twelve casualties, while Owen L. and his girlfriend were formally charged - him for murder of a minor, her for non-disclosure of crime.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Europe Lost Its Chair

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Trump and Putin's direct Ukraine negotiations dominated morning coverage, with European leaders expressing alarm at being sidelined. Zelensky demanded US discussions before any Russian talks, while the Kremlin claimed Kiev would participate "one way or another."

A grenade attack in a Grenoble bar injured twelve people overnight, with investigators focusing on drug trafficking connections. By midday, attention shifted to Munich, where an Afghan asylum seeker drove into a union demonstration, injuring 28 people in what authorities called a "probable attack."

The afternoon saw two major domestic developments: Laurent Wauquiez announced his candidacy for Les Républicains leadership against Bruno Retailleau, while former PM Jean Castex was briefly detained for questioning regarding past administrative roles. Parliament definitively banned "puff" e-cigarettes, popular among teenagers.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day Munich Lost Its Voice

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The Munich Security Conference opened amid reports of Trump-Putin negotiations bypassing European allies. Macron warned against a "capitulation peace" while Zelensky demanded Ukrainian inclusion in any talks. By mid-morning, focus shifted to a drone strike on Chernobyl's protective dome, with Ukraine accusing Russia of deliberate destabilization.

US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a confrontational speech to European leaders, demanding increased defense spending while avoiding direct Ukraine discussions. The afternoon saw three Israeli hostages confirmed for Saturday release, while the Red Cross condemned staged media events around previous releases.

Domestic coverage centered on the Bétharram abuse scandal, with Bayrou scheduling a Saturday meeting with victims after 1996 archives implicated his involvement. Evening brought the 40th Victoires de la Musique ceremony, with Santa and Zaho de Sagazan among major winners.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Three Hostages Crossed

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The hostage release dominated coverage, with three Israeli-multinational captives transferred through Gaza to Israel, marking a rare moment of Hamas-Israel cooperation amid cease-fire uncertainty. The exchange included Palestinian prisoner releases in the West Bank.

At the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President J.D. Vance's confrontational speech against European democracy and freedom intensified the rift exposed by Trump-Putin negotiations. Zelensky warned Ukraine might not survive without US support.

François Bayrou met with Bétharram abuse victims, requesting additional magistrates while maintaining his past unawareness. Evening brought news of a fatal knife attack in Austria by a Syrian asylum seeker, killing a teenager and wounding others, echoing the previous day's Munich car-ramming incident.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Europe Sought Its Chair

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European leaders scrambled to maintain relevance after being excluded from US-Russia negotiations over Ukraine. Macron announced an emergency European security summit in Paris for Monday, gathering key EU states to formulate a response. This followed the previous day's Munich conference tensions.

The morning saw multiple reports of Trump-Putin alignment on mineral rights negotiations in Ukraine, while digital archivists mobilized against Trump's ordered purge of federal websites. By afternoon, French media focused on the ISIS trial of Mehdi Nemmouche for torturing French journalists in Syria, linking past and present security concerns.

Evening coverage centered on a 17-year-old attacking police with samurai swords in Vitry, while European military capabilities assessments showed Poland's emergence as a leading force on NATO's eastern flank.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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The Day Europe Chose Its Path

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Following Trump's announcement of imminent Putin meeting and J.D. Vance's hostile Munich speech, European leaders gathered in Paris for an emergency summit. The morning saw Macron's phone call with Trump, while Saudi Arabia prepared to host US-Russia talks in Riyadh.

By afternoon, deep divisions emerged among European states regarding potential deployment of peacekeepers to Ukraine, with the UK signaling readiness while Germany's Scholz opposed both troop discussions and any "diktat peace." The Kremlin declared Europeans who "want to continue the war" would be excluded from negotiations.

Evening headlines focused on Zelensky's scheduled visit to Riyadh, where US-Russia talks begin tomorrow. Meanwhile, a massive recall of 240,000 Citroën vehicles due to Takata airbag defects highlighted France's domestic concerns.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Europa Lost Its Voice

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US-Russia talks in Riyadh dominated morning coverage, with Putin signaling readiness to meet Zelensky "if necessary." The Kremlin acknowledged Ukraine's right to join the EU but rejected NATO membership. By early afternoon, Washington declared "important progress" while Zelensky denounced "talks about Ukraine without Ukraine."

Macron's attempts to maintain European relevance met resistance as most EU states declined to support potential troop deployments. His evening declaration of Russia as an "existential threat" and announcement of new multilateral talks highlighted Europe's diminishing influence in negotiations.

The Bétharram affair intensified as documents revealed Elisabeth Guigou knew of abuse allegations in 1998, while Bayrou denied intervention and blamed the Jospin government. Trump's late evening statement supporting European peacekeepers in Ukraine further emphasized Washington's control over the continent's security agenda.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Moscow Took the Lead

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Richard Ferrand's nomination to head the Constitutional Council passed by a single vote, with the National Rally's strategic abstention drawing criticism from the left. The morning's headlines focused on Trump's new demands from Ukraine, including $500 billion in mineral rights compensation.

By afternoon, Trump escalated rhetoric against Zelensky, labeling him a "dictator without elections" and blaming him for starting the war, while Berlin denounced these statements as "absurd." The revelation that Western companies continue funding Putin's war effort through Russian taxes added context to the shifting diplomatic landscape.

Evening brought news of Macron's scheduled Washington visit next week, as European leaders attempt to maintain relevance in US-Russia negotiations. Meanwhile, three arrests in the Bétharram case, involving allegations from 1957-2004, confirmed early warnings from 1993 and 1996 were ignored.
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Bodies Crossed Gaza

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Morning headlines focused on Trump's characterization of Zelensky as an "unelected dictator," with European leaders rushing to defend Ukraine's democratic status. By mid-morning, Hamas returned four bodies of Israeli hostages through the Red Cross, including the Bibas family, prompting nationwide mourning in Israel.

Parliament adopted strict regulations on PFAS "forever chemicals," positioning France as a pioneer in environmental protection. The Court of Accounts released projections showing pension deficits reaching €30 billion by 2045, reigniting reform debates.

Evening coverage centered on Macron's social media session addressing Ukraine, where he confirmed his Monday visit to Washington. He plans to confront Trump about Putin while supporting European peacekeeping forces. Three explosions near Tel Aviv marked the night, while China expressed concern about US-Russia bilateral negotiations excluding other powers.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day Bodies Revealed Their Truth

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Hamas's return of bodies marked the morning news, with Israel confirming the identification of the Bibas children while revealing their mother's body was not among those returned. By midday, Hamas claimed Shiri Bibas's remains were "mixed with others by mistake" under rubble, while IDF stated the children were killed "by hand."

Trump's criticism of Zelensky gained context as Le Monde revealed his anger stemmed from Ukraine's refusal to sign mineral rights agreements. The Bétharram abuse case advanced with one former supervisor charged with rape and detained, while Bayrou faced accusations of prior knowledge.

Jordan Bardella canceled his CPAC speech following Steve Bannon's Nazi gesture, marking another shift in France's far-right positioning. The Pope's doctors issued warnings about his condition, while Macron continued preparing public opinion for increased military support to Ukraine.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Two Cities Bled

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The Agricultural Fair opened with Macron's careful visit, marking a stark contrast to last year's chaos. His statement about farmers not being "adjustment variables" for purchasing power signaled policy shifts. By midday, news focused on Hamas's staged release of six Israeli hostages, including evidence of deception regarding Shiri Bibas's remains.

The afternoon brought two major developments: Mohamed Amra's capture in Romania after nine months of manhunt following his deadly prison escape, and a terrorist attack in Mulhouse that left one dead and two police officers wounded. The Mulhouse attacker, previously flagged for terrorism and under deportation orders, had been convicted in 2023 for promoting jihad. The evening revealed his psychiatric history, while coverage balanced between celebrating Amra's arrest and questioning the system's failure to prevent the Mulhouse attack.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Germany Changed Course

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The Mulhouse attack aftermath dominated morning coverage, with Interior Minister confronting Algeria over ten refused deportation requests for the attacker. By midday, focus shifted to the German elections, where Friedrich Merz's conservatives secured victory while AfD doubled its previous score to 19.5%.

Mohamed Amra's arrest narrative expanded as investigators revealed his network across three countries, with ten accomplices arrested. His planned escape route to Colombia via Romania, where he sought plastic surgery, emerged in evening reports.

Zelensky's offer to resign in exchange for NATO membership marked a shift in Ukraine's positioning, following Trump's demands for aid repayment. The media positioned this alongside German election results as signs of Europe's strategic realignment, while Macron prepared for his Washington visit to address these developments.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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The Day Europe Offered Ground Troops

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CDU's victory and AfD's unprecedented 20.8% in German elections set the morning tone, marking a shift in European politics. Le Scouarnec's trial opening dominated midday coverage, with the former surgeon admitting responsibility for most of the 299 sexual assault charges.

The afternoon centered on EU leaders visiting Kiev for the war's third anniversary, with Von der Leyen announcing €3.5B in aid. An incendiary device attack on Russia's Marseille consulate punctuated coverage of Ukraine-related developments.

Evening focused on Macron's Washington visit, where he signaled European readiness to deploy troops in Ukraine to verify peace terms - a major shift in NATO positioning. Trump's characterization of Zelensky as "toxic" and emphasis on Europe's central role in peace negotiations suggested continued US disengagement, while Macron insisted on avoiding a "fragile deal" that would amount to Ukrainian capitulation.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day America Chose Moscow's Side

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Following the Trump-Macron meeting, America joined Russia in a UN vote against supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity - a dramatic shift in US positioning that Moscow praised as "balanced." Macron's attempts to salvage the situation through personal diplomacy with Trump proved ineffective, despite surface cordiality.

The Le Scouarnec trial entered its second day, with his son testifying about separating "the man from the father" while investigators described the accused as "calculating." Meanwhile, drug trafficker Mohamed Amra's return to France concluded his Romanian escape attempt, leading to immediate indictment.

SFR's restructuring agreement with creditors marked a shift in French telecommunications, while Stellantis recalled 68,000 vehicles over fire risks. Malaysia Airlines announced renewed search efforts for flight MH370, ten years after its disappearance.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump Slams Europe's Door

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Morning coverage focused on Bayrou's immigration control committee addressing tensions with Algeria through potential revision of 1968 accords. By midday, Trump's announcement blocking Ukraine's NATO path and imposing 25% tariffs on European exports marked a decisive break with European allies.

The Le Scouarnec trial continued with his ex-wife's testimony denying knowledge of abuse, while Hamas returned four hostage bodies to Israel through Red Cross mediation. The day's coverage showed media grappling with America's eastward pivot, as China watched the Trump-Putin alignment with stated perplexity.

Evening reports detailed the high-security conditions of Mohamed Amra's detention at Condé-sur-Sarthe prison, while General Bellanger warned of increased Russian testing of NATO defenses. The Mulhouse attack suspect's indictment closed the news cycle.
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Justice Stopped The Highway

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Morning coverage centered on mounting Franco-Algerian tensions as Bayrou threatened revision of 1968 migration accords, while France confirmed the death of its last Hamas-held hostage Ohad Yahalomi. By noon, the administrative court's decision to halt A69 highway construction dominated headlines, with the state announcing immediate appeal despite environmental activists' celebration.

Early afternoon saw pension reform talks collapse as Force Ouvrière left negotiations, prompting Bayrou to float referendum possibilities. Trump's announcement of new tariffs on both European and Chinese goods marked continued economic pressure on allies.

Evening coverage focused on Cyril Hanouna's announced move to M6 group following C8's closure, while Israel's army chief took "full responsibility" for October 7 "total failure" - a rare admission amid ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Cairo.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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The Day The President Left Empty-Handed

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Cyclone Garance hit Réunion with unprecedented force, causing three deaths and widespread destruction. The island shifted from violet to red alert as winds reached 234 km/h.

The Le Scouarnec trial reached a turning point when the accused admitted abusing his granddaughter during his son's testimony, breaking decades of family silence.

The day culminated in a dramatic confrontation at the White House between Trump and Zelensky. The planned minerals agreement collapsed after Trump demanded immediate peace negotiations with Russia, telling Zelensky to "be grateful." Zelensky left abruptly without signing. European leaders, including Macron, immediately contacted Zelensky to reaffirm support, while the EU declared "you will never be alone." The evening saw Catherine Deneuve open the César ceremony with dedication to Ukraine, as French media covered European attempts to counter Trump's pressure.
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