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.