April
01.04.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Le Pen Claimed Judicial Nuclear Strike

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The aftermath of Marine Le Pen's conviction dominated French media. Morning coverage showed Le Pen launching a counter-offensive, describing the ruling as "the system's nuclear bomb" aimed at preventing her 2027 presidential candidacy. RN president Jordan Bardella announced weekend demonstrations and denounced a "tyranny of judges."

By midday, François Bayrou called for parliamentary "reflection" on the immediate application of ineligibility sentences, questioning whether France was "the only country that does this." This position was quickly echoed by right-wing politicians, with Eric Ciotti announcing a bill to eliminate provisional execution of ineligibility penalties.

The Paris Court of Appeal announced Le Pen's appeal process would conclude with a decision by "summer 2026," which Le Pen called "very good news" as it would precede the 2027 presidential race. Meanwhile, the judge who presided over Le Pen's trial was placed under police protection following threats.
02.04.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Le Pen Appealed As Trump Imposed Tariffs

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Marine Le Pen's legal counter-offensive dominated morning coverage as she announced appeals to both the European Court of Human Rights and Constitutional Council. President Macron broke his silence mid-morning, emphasizing judicial independence and that "magistrates must be protected" amid rising threats against judges.

By afternoon, news emerged that Le Pen's appeal would be expedited with a verdict expected by summer 2026, potentially allowing her to run in the 2027 presidential election. The Paris prosecutor general clarified this timing was deliberately scheduled outside the campaign period.

Evening coverage shifted dramatically to Trump's "Liberation Day" speech where he announced sweeping global tariffs, including 20% on European products and 34% on Chinese goods. The Trump administration warned of "escalation" if affected countries retaliated, sending economic shockwaves through European markets already analyzing potential responses.
03.04.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Europe Found Its Trade War Stance

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Trump's announcement of sweeping tariffs - 20% on European products and 34% on Chinese goods - dominated French media throughout the day. Morning coverage focused on the economic impact, with European markets opening sharply lower and François Bayrou calling it a "catastrophe for the world economy."

By midday, the French government signaled its readiness for "retaliation on American products and services," particularly targeting digital services. Economic experts warned of a potential "Trumpcession" for the global economy.

The afternoon saw Macron convening a crisis meeting with representatives of affected industries, denouncing Trump's decision as "brutal and unfounded." Macron escalated Europe's response by calling for French companies to suspend investments in the United States. By evening, Canada had joined the resistance, imposing 25% tariffs on US vehicles while European officials worked to coordinate a unified response through targeted countermeasures.
04.04.2025
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Friday
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The Day China Answered Trump's Tariffs

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China's decision to impose 34% retaliatory tariffs on American products dominated French media. Morning coverage focused on Trump's "Free Marine Le Pen" statement, with multiple outlets highlighting how both Trump and JD Vance condemned her conviction as a "witch hunt."

By midday, China announced sweeping tariffs on American products starting April 10, triggering immediate market turmoil. European stock markets plummeted, with the CAC 40 falling 4.3% in a single day and 8.1% for the week.

Afternoon reporting focused on France's response, with Economy Minister announcing a European retaliation that could go "beyond tariffs." The government scheduled a national industry council for Tuesday to address the crisis.

Evening coverage revealed tensions between Macron and major French business leaders, with some reportedly dismissing his call to suspend American investments, stating they "couldn't care less what Macron says."
05.04.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Trump's Tariff Floor Began Working

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Trump's 10% universal tariff floor officially took effect, dominating French news coverage throughout the day. Early morning headlines focused on Trump's defiant stance, declaring "I will never change my policy" despite market turmoil, with Wall Street dropping nearly 6% the previous day.

By mid-morning, reports detailed China's retaliatory measures and the implementation mechanics of the tariffs. Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer issued a joint statement that trade wars serve "nobody's interest" while French Economy Minister urged companies to "postpone" U.S. investments.

Meanwhile, the National Rally held a modest rally in Marseille preparing for Sunday's larger Paris demonstration supporting Marine Le Pen following her ineligibility ruling. A new poll showed RN far ahead for the 2027 presidential election.

PSG was crowned French football champion with six games to spare after a 1-0 win against Angers, securing their 13th title.
06.04.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Three Rallies Divided Paris

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Three concurrent political rallies dominated French media as Marine Le Pen staged a demonstration at Place Vauban following her court conviction for misuse of public funds. The National Rally portrayed her as victim of a "witch hunt," with Le Pen controversially invoking Martin Luther King while vowing to "not give up." Jordan Bardella called her conviction "a direct attack on democracy."

Multiple outlets noted the RN gathering's disappointing attendance. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Attal led a Renaissance party meeting where he accused the far-right of "attacking judges," while left-wing parties organized a counter-demonstration at Place de la République.

International coverage focused on mass protests across the United States against Trump administration policies and recently announced tariffs, which continued to disrupt global markets. A French-Algerian diplomatic thaw progressed as Foreign Minister Barrot visited Algeria to restart bilateral relations after months of tension.
07.04.2025
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Monday
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The Day Markets Collapsed Under Trump's Tariffs

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Global financial markets suffered a dramatic crash as Trump's universal 10% tariff floor took effect. Asian markets opened with Hong Kong falling 13.12%, its largest drop since 1997. European bourses followed suit, with the CAC 40 plunging over 6%, its worst day in three years.

French Commerce Minister Laurent Saint-Martin warned that European retaliation could be "extremely aggressive," as Trump threatened China with additional 50% tariffs if Beijing maintained its retaliatory measures. The EU proposed elimination of industrial tariffs, which Trump deemed "not sufficient."

Meanwhile, French authorities announced the arrest of three young men for allegedly planning a terrorist bombing in northern France. One suspect was described as "highly radicalized."

In the evening, a major fire broke out at a waste sorting center in Paris's 17th arrondissement, with authorities reassuring that no toxicity had been detected.
08.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Markets Rebound While Trade War Escalates

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European markets rebounded after Monday's catastrophic collapse, with the CAC 40 gaining over 1.5% on hopes for potential negotiations despite ongoing trade tensions. By early afternoon, optimism was tempered as the White House confirmed China tariffs would increase to 104% on Wednesday.

Elon Musk publicly called Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro a "moron," highlighting growing dissent even among Republican business circles. President Macron demanded Trump "reverse his decision" while the EU prepared retaliatory measures on American products including diamonds and chicken, expected to be announced next week.

Domestically, authorities arrested a 76-year-old man for threatening judge Bénédicte de Perthuis who presided over Marine Le Pen's ineligibility case. Two parliamentary commissions published scathing reports on child protection services and sexual violence in the cultural sector, each offering extensive reform recommendations.
09.04.2025
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Wednesday
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The Day Trump Paused His Trade War

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Trump's tariffs officially took effect in the morning, causing European markets to plunge, with the CAC 40 dropping 2.8%. China immediately announced retaliatory measures, increasing duties on American products from 34% to 84%, which further accelerated market losses.

The EU adopted its first countermeasures, imposing 25% tariffs on American motorcycles, soybeans, poultry and cosmetics worth €21 billion. Economists warned about negative impacts on French growth and employment, with approximately 28,000 French businesses affected by Trump's measures.

In a dramatic reversal by evening, Trump announced a 90-day "pause" in tariffs for all countries except China, against which he increased duties to 125%. Wall Street immediately rallied on this news.

Domestically, Lyon's Green Party mayor Grégory Doucet was taken into police custody regarding a financial investigation but released later in the day. President Macron announced France could recognize a Palestinian state as early as June.
10.04.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Markets Soared After Trump's Tariff Pause

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European markets opened euphorically following Trump's sudden 90-day tariff suspension announced late Wednesday, with Paris' CAC 40 surging over 6%. The EU formally suspended its retaliatory measures for the same 90-day period. Meanwhile, China remained isolated as the only country facing increased tariffs, now reaching 145%, prompting Beijing to promise it would "fight to the end."

Questions emerged about potential market manipulation, with Democratic lawmakers demanding an investigation into whether Trump committed insider trading before his policy reversal.

By afternoon, Wall Street opened lower amid renewed China tensions, reversing the previous day's gains.

In domestic news, former teacher accused in teenager Evaëlle's suicide was acquitted, Prime Minister Bayrou agreed to testify before parliamentary commission investigating Catholic school Bétharram abuse scandal, and the Cannes Film Festival announced its 2025 lineup featuring Julia Ducournau and Wes Anderson.
11.04.2025
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Friday
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Trade War Day China Strikes Back With 125% Tariffs

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China escalated the trade conflict by raising tariffs on American products to 125%, after Trump maintained high duties exclusively against Beijing while pausing them for other nations. European markets initially rebounded before falling again on the Chinese announcement. The ECB indicated readiness to intervene if financial stability became threatened.

Xi Jinping called for China and the EU to "resist together against coercion," attempting to form an alliance against Washington. The EU expressed willingness to negotiate with the US, scheduling talks for Monday in Washington.

Trump defended his policy as "working really well" despite market volatility. Le Figaro reported that debt concerns ultimately influenced Trump's decision to pause European tariffs.

Domestically, French authorities launched a search for a missing 28-year-old jogger in Vienne. Prime Minister Bayrou faced continued pressure over the Bétharram abuse scandal, insisting he "never intervened in a judicial case."
12.04.2025
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Saturday
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The Day Electronics Escaped Tariffs While A Jogger Remained Missing

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The search for 28-year-old jogger Agathe dominated French media throughout the day, with authorities deploying significant resources in Vienne. By evening, investigators began exploring the possibility of foul play.

US-China trade tensions showed signs of easing as Washington exempted smartphones and computers from tariffs, representing Trump's first concession after imposing 145% duties days earlier. European officials warned against showing weakness in negotiations, with former commissioner Thierry Breton urging the EU to protect its interests.

In parliament, deputies approved the right to assisted dying in committee, advancing legislation on end-of-life care. CGT-Cheminots called for railway strikes starting May 5th, threatening disruption during the May 8th holiday. Meanwhile, Iran-US nuclear talks in Oman proceeded without European participation, described by the White House as "a step forward."
13.04.2025
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Sunday
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The Day Russian Missiles Tore Through Soumy While France Searched for Its Jogger

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The disappearance of 28-year-old jogger Agathe in Vienne dominated morning headlines, with authorities narrowing their search to a "restricted sector" and investigating a possible "bad encounter." By afternoon, search strategy shifted as investigators began conducting interviews within her "family and sentimental environment."

A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Soumy killed at least 34 civilians, including children. Death toll rose throughout the day as international condemnation mounted, with Macron calling for "strong measures" to impose a ceasefire and Ukraine promising an "inevitable response."

Economy Minister Eric Lombard announced France needs €40 billion in additional budget cuts for 2026, explicitly ruling out tax increases while suggesting Trump's tariff reversal offers an "opening for negotiation." The government also confirmed it would maintain a "solidarity tax" on high incomes.

In sports, Mathieu van der Poel won Paris-Roubaix for the third consecutive year.
14.04.2025
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Monday
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The Day Nobel Laureate Died While Budget Crisis Loomed

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Morning headlines announced the death of Mario Vargas Llosa, Nobel literature laureate, at 89. Simultaneously, diplomatic tensions with Algeria escalated as Algiers ordered 12 French embassy agents to leave within 48 hours, prompting Paris to threaten "immediate retaliation."

The government's planned €40 billion austerity program dominated midday coverage, with both far-left LFI and far-right RN threatening no-confidence motions. Court of Accounts proposed €20 billion in health insurance savings.

Afternoon brought developments in missing jogger Agathe Hilairet's case, with prosecutors opening a formal investigation for kidnapping and detention.

Russian strikes on Soumy, Ukraine continued to draw attention as the death toll rose to 35. Moscow claimed it targeted a Ukrainian military meeting while using civilians as "human shields."

Evening reports covered a deadly nitrogen leak at a Paris gym that killed one employee and seriously injured a client.
15.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Prison Attacks Day While Bayrou Warned on Debt

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Coordinated attacks on multiple French prisons dominated headlines, with facilities in Toulon, Valence, and Nanterre targeted by vehicle fires and automatic weapon fire. The National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor took over the investigation, exploring connections to drug traffickers or ultra-left groups.

Prime Minister François Bayrou held a budget conference, warning of France's "dangerous debt trap" while seeking €40 billion in cuts for 2026. He rejected tax increases as "untenable" and promised budget orientations before July 14th.

The France-Algeria diplomatic crisis escalated dramatically, with Paris recalling its ambassador and expelling 12 Algerian officials in reciprocal action after Algiers expelled French diplomats.

Harvard University's refusal to comply with Trump administration demands regarding antisemitism policies resulted in the loss of $2.2 billion in federal funding.

PSG advanced to the Champions League semifinals despite losing to Aston Villa, progressing 5-4 on aggregate.
16.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Prison Attacks Spread While Diplomatic Ties With Algeria Unravel

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The wave of prison attacks that began on April 15 intensified with new incidents at Tarascon and Chauconin-Neufmontiers, where vehicles were burned and tags reading "DDPF" appeared. By afternoon, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor took charge of the investigation, and President Macron promised perpetrators "will be found, tried and punished." A suspect linked to the DDPF Telegram channel was arrested in Essonne.

The diplomatic crisis with Algeria reached "unprecedented severity" as both countries completed mutual expulsions of 24 diplomatic agents, with French authorities now scrutinizing Algerian consulates for intelligence activities.

Budget concerns continued as Amélie de Montchalin promised tax cuts following elimination of tax loopholes, while the government faced potential sanctions for budget overruns. Prime Minister Bayrou's assessment of France's fiscal situation as "untenable" was rejected by 75% of French citizens in a BFMTV poll.
17.04.2025
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Thursday
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Prison Attack Investigation Day While Avalanches Strike Savoie

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The investigation into the coordinated prison attacks dominated morning headlines, with Interior Minister Darmanin and Justice Minister Retailleau ordering immediate security reinforcements at penitentiaries. A mysterious group calling itself "DDPF" claimed responsibility through Telegram messages, prompting the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's involvement. Bruno Retailleau suggested drug traffickers as the most credible suspects.

By midday, media attention shifted to severe weather in Savoie, where exceptional snowfall caused multiple avalanches. A skier at Val Thorens was buried and remained in critical condition, while several ski resorts enforced confinement measures before Easter holidays.

Economic coverage focused on the European Central Bank lowering interest rates despite concerns about Trump's trade war with China. In the evening, France announced it had initiated a "positive process" involving European partners regarding Ukraine peace negotiations, while Trump revealed a forthcoming mineral resources agreement with Kyiv.
18.04.2025
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Friday
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The Day Trump Set Ukraine Ultimatum While Avalanche Claimed Life

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Morning headlines focused on a deadly avalanche in Val Thorens that claimed one life, with Savoie under orange alert for additional snowslides. This followed yesterday's heavy snowfall that confined ski resorts.

Donald Trump dominated international coverage, threatening to "move on very soon" from Ukraine peace efforts if negotiations didn't yield quick results. The Russian announcement that its moratorium on energy infrastructure strikes had "expired" compounded concerns about Ukraine's position.

A shooting at a Subway restaurant in Rennes injured four people, with authorities promising "zero tolerance" in response. The nitrogen leak at a Paris gym claimed a second victim, initially reported as deceased but later clarified as brain dead.

Marine Le Pen was stripped of her departmental councilor position following her March conviction, while Le Monde reported extensively on the declining Western influence in global information battles against Chinese and Russian media expansion.
19.04.2025
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Saturday
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Easter Ceasefire Day As Putin And Zelensky Accept Truce

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The Orthodox Easter weekend brought an unexpected development in the Ukraine conflict as Putin ordered a temporary ceasefire beginning Saturday evening. By late afternoon, Zelensky reluctantly accepted the truce but accused Russia of violations almost immediately, with Ukrainian military reporting continued Russian drone attacks.

Earlier headlines highlighted Trump's threat to "move on very soon" from Ukraine if peace negotiations don't progress quickly, creating pressure on Kyiv following yesterday's ultimatum. Le Monde extensively covered Western failures in the global information war against Russian and Chinese influence.

Religious themes dominated domestic coverage, with the Vatican recognizing Antonietta Raco as Lourdes' 72nd official miracle after her healing from lateral sclerosis. Reports emerged of priests being attacked in churches in Lisieux and Tarascon, while Marine Tondelier was re-elected as Green party leader with 73% support.
20.04.2025
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Sunday
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Easter Truce Violations Day While Missing Boy Case Deepens

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The Easter truce proposed by Putin unraveled as Ukraine reported over 2,000 Russian violations throughout the day. Zelensky accused Moscow of merely "trying to give the impression" of a ceasefire while continuing attacks, a development following yesterday's skeptical acceptance of the truce.

The case of 12-year-old Lyam, found Saturday after a nine-day disappearance, took a surprising turn when his mother and sister were placed in police custody along with a family friend, though all three were released by evening.

Pope Francis delivered his Easter message despite recent health struggles, calling for Gaza ceasefire while condemning "rising antisemitism." The coincidence of Christian and Jewish Easter celebrations was noted in coverage.

Severe flooding affected southwestern France, with Gironde joining Dordogne and Corrèze under orange alert by evening. The government's consideration of eliminating tax breaks for retirees in the 2026 budget emerged as a contentious economic story.
21.04.2025
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Monday
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The Day Pope Francis Died While Mayotte Awaited Reconstruction

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The news cycle was dominated by Pope Francis' death at age 88, with early morning announcements spreading across all major outlets. Coverage evolved from initial reports to analysis of his legacy as a reformist pontiff who prioritized the poor while maintaining traditional stances on many issues. By afternoon, details emerged about his death from a stroke, his funeral arrangements, and discussions about succession protocols.

President Macron began his five-day Indian Ocean tour in Mayotte, where he presented a €3.2 billion "refoundation" plan for the territory still recovering from Cyclone Chido four months earlier. His visit to the Mamoudzou hospital highlighted concerns about the spreading Chikungunya virus.

Other stories included prison attacks in the Rhône region, continuing the pattern from previous days, and severe flooding in southwestern France that placed three departments under orange alert.
22.04.2025
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Tuesday
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Pope's Final Farewell Preparation Day While Economic Storm Warnings Sounded

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The death of Pope Francis dominated media coverage with evolving details about Saturday's funeral arrangements. By morning, Vatican officials announced the Pope's body would lie in state from Wednesday to Friday, with flags in France to be flown at half-mast on Saturday. World leaders including Macron, Trump, and Zelensky confirmed attendance.

The IMF provided a stark economic backdrop, warning of a "critical moment" for the global economy, reducing growth forecasts to 2.8% for 2025 amid Trump tariff concerns. Financial observers noted gold prices reaching $3,500 per ounce as investors sought safe havens.

President Macron's Indian Ocean tour continued in Réunion, where he addressed a worsening chikungunya outbreak that claimed its seventh victim—an infant. He announced emergency measures for agricultural sectors still recovering from Cyclone Garance damage.
23.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Pope's Body At St. Peter's While Ukraine-Russia Peace Tensions Mount

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The body of Pope Francis was transported to St. Peter's Basilica in the morning, beginning a three-day public viewing before Saturday's funeral. Thousands of mourners filed past the pontiff's remains throughout the day.

International tensions escalated when Vice President Vance stated Ukraine must make territorial concessions, followed by Trump claiming he "has an agreement" with Russia even as missiles struck Kyiv. Zelensky firmly rejected ceding Crimea, prompting criticism from Trump who called his stance "inflammatory."

The Bétharram abuse scandal widened with François Bayrou expressing anguish after revelations his daughter was among the victims, calling the news "a dagger to my heart."

Economic developments included the EU imposing €700 million in fines on Apple and Meta under the Digital Markets Act, while markets rallied after Trump signaled tariff reductions against China.
24.04.2025
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Thursday
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The Day Russia Bombarded Kyiv Then a Student Attacked a School

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Russian missiles struck Kyiv early morning, killing at least nine people and wounding 63 others, prompting Zelensky to cut short his South Africa visit and demand attacks "cease immediately without conditions." Trump continued pressuring Ukraine, claiming to have "an agreement with Russia" and aligning with Putin on Crimea.

By noon, media focus shifted to a knife attack at a lycée in Nantes, where a 15-year-old student killed one classmate and injured three others. The suspect, identified as Justin P., had reportedly sent a manifesto against "global ecocide" to students before the attack. He was later hospitalized after psychiatric examination. Education Minister Bayrou called for "intensified controls" at schools, while Interior Minister Retailleau described it as "not a news item but a societal issue."

Other stories included a significant anti-drug trafficking operation in Marseille with 21 arrests of "high-level" traffickers.
25.04.2025
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Friday
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The Day Nantes School Attacker Struck 57 Times While Trump Offered Crimea

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Morning news detailed the horrific knife attack at a Nantes school, where prosecutor Antoine Leroy revealed the 16-year-old suspect Justin P. struck his victim 57 times. The attacker, now in psychiatric care, claimed to be in a "lucid dream" during the assault. He was described as "extremely solitary" with a "fascination for Hitler" and his manifesto contained confused ideological elements.

Internationally, Trump declared "Russia will keep Crimea," formalizing his position on territorial concessions while his envoy Steve Witkoff held a "constructive" three-hour meeting with Putin in Moscow. Zelensky countered that "all temporarily occupied territories belong to Ukraine."

Prime Minister Bayrou unveiled his controversial medical desert plan requiring doctors to practice in underserved areas up to two days monthly, triggering opposition from medical unions who announced strikes for Monday.

In sports, Nice ended PSG's 30-match unbeaten streak with a surprising 3-1 victory.
26.04.2025
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Saturday
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Papal Funeral Becomes Ukraine Peace Summit Day

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Pope Francis's funeral in Rome attracted 400,000 mourners while unexpectedly transforming into a diplomatic venue for Ukraine-Russia peace efforts. The ceremony began at 10:00 AM with Cardinal Re eulogizing the pontiff's "open heart" and commitment to peace before his coffin processed through Rome to Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore for private burial.

Simultaneously, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky held a "very productive" meeting on the funeral's sidelines, with Trump claiming Russia and Ukraine were "very close to an agreement" while later expressing doubts about Putin's sincerity. Moscow announced it had regained full control of the Kursk region, though Ukraine disputed this claim.

In French politics, Jordan Bardella publicly declared for the first time he would be Marine Le Pen's candidate for the 2027 presidential election if she becomes ineligible. The manhunt continued for a suspect who murdered a Muslim worshipper in a Gard mosque, allegedly filming himself insulting Allah during the attack.
27.04.2025
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Sunday
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Mosque Murder Manhunt Day While Retailleau Makes Security Promises

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The manhunt for Olivier H., suspect in the murder of Aboubakar Cissé at a Grand-Combe mosque, dominated French media. By afternoon, newspapers reported the suspect had been spotted before escaping authorities again. Interior Minister Retailleau visited the site, affirmed "the anti-Muslim motive is not being neglected," and announced reinforced security around Muslim places of worship. A memorial march drew nearly 2,000 participants.

International coverage focused on the Vancouver car ramming that killed nine people at a Filipino festival, with terrorism ruled out, and continuing Pope Francis funeral aftermath where diplomatic activity around Ukraine peace negotiations occurred. The Trump-Zelensky meeting in Rome received moderate attention, with Trump claiming Russia and Ukraine were "very close to an agreement."

Other stories included government plans to eliminate or merge one-third of state agencies by late 2025 for budget reform, and French automakers' strategies regarding Chinese electric vehicles.
28.04.2025
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Monday
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The Day Of Iberian Blackout While Mosque Murder Suspect Surrendered

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The mosque murder suspect from Grand-Combe, Olivier H., surrendered to Italian police in Pistoia after three days on the run. Prosecutors opened a judicial inquiry for premeditated murder based on religion, though the suspect denied religious hatred as his motive. Interior Minister Retailleau faced criticism for his delayed response.

By midday, a massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, briefly affecting southern France. Authorities estimated 6-10 hours for restoration, with Spanish officials declaring a state of emergency. Initially attributed to "extreme temperature variations," EU officials ruled out cyberattacks.

In Ukraine developments, Putin announced a three-day truce (May 8-10), which Zelensky dismissed as "manipulation." Trump rejected this temporary measure, demanding a "permanent ceasefire" instead. Macron promised to "increase pressure on Russia in the next eight to ten days," suggesting diplomatic machinery is accelerating.

The Vatican announced May 7 as the start date for the papal conclave.
29.04.2025
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Tuesday
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The Day Electricity Returned To Spain While Parliament Memorialized Mosque Victim

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The massive blackout that struck Spain and Portugal yesterday dominated morning coverage, with electricity restored to 99% of affected areas by mid-day. Spanish authorities initially ruled out cyberattacks but later opened an investigation into possible "sabotage." France's role in helping restore power received significant coverage.

At midday, the French government officially accused Russian military intelligence (GRU) of cyberattacks, including the 2017 Macron campaign hack and a four-year espionage campaign targeting French ministries.

Early afternoon saw the National Assembly hold a minute of silence for Aboubakar Cissé, murdered in a Gard mosque. By evening, Parliament unanimously adopted new anti-drug trafficking legislation creating specialized prosecution units and enhancing surveillance capabilities.

The evening ended with PSG securing a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final, with Dembélé scoring early and goalkeeper Donnarumma preserving the lead.
30.04.2025
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Wednesday
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Trump's Hundred Days Coincided With Economic Downturn

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Trump marked his first 100 days back in office with triumphalist rhetoric at a Michigan rally, declaring his administration "the most successful in US history" despite mounting economic concerns. By midday, unexpected economic data showed US GDP declining 0.3%, which Trump immediately blamed on Biden's legacy.

French media portrayed Trump's presidency as increasingly authoritarian, with Le Monde noting "a strong authoritarian slope that could increase" while Steve Bannon told the newspaper their goal was to "make this revolution permanent" and "seize institutions."

In domestic news, Prime Minister Bayrou's approval rating crashed to 14%, the lowest for any PM under the Fifth Republic. Record high temperatures were recorded across France, with monthly records broken from the Loire to the Belgian border.

Late evening brought news of a "historic" economic agreement between the US and Ukraine focusing on resource access and reconstruction investment.
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