Syrian rebels captured Aleppo with minimal resistance, continuing their southward advance toward Hama. Assad promised forceful response, while Russian airstrikes targeted multiple positions. The strategic shift marked the largest territorial change since 2011.
The death of Niels Arestrup, three-time César winner, dominated cultural coverage, with media focusing on his roles in "Un prophète" and "Quai d'Orsay". The timing coincided with renewed interest in French cinema's international standing.
Marine Le Pen maintained pressure on Barnier's government, setting conditions for avoiding censure while left-wing deputies walked out of budget discussions. The RN's decision regarding Monday's censure motion crystalized by evening. Thirteen were injured in a Christmas parade accident in Trouville-sur-Mer, while a bus crash in Pyrénées-Orientales caused three deaths. Carlos Tavares's sudden departure from Stellantis marked the day's final significant development.