French media coverage focused overwhelmingly on municipal election alliance negotiations following the first round, with editorial attention consolidating around left-wing divisions and right-wing consolidation. Morning reports highlighted Emmanuel Grégoire's refusal to ally with LFI in Paris and Benoît Payan's definitive rejection of an alliance with LFI in Marseille, creating stark contrasts with successful left-wing unity in Toulouse where PS and LFI announced a joint list. Afternoon coverage tracked Rachida Dati's announcement of working with Pierre-Yves Bournazel on a Paris 'alternance project,' though Bournazel's camp initially tempered expectations before confirming the merger by evening. Secondary attention went to the appeal trial of Nicolas Sarkozy and Middle East developments, including Israeli ground operations in Lebanon and Trump's criticism of Macron's response to securing the Strait of Hormuz.