Médiapart

Jean-Emmanuel Casalta, president of the French parliamentary channel Public Sénat, has been singled out by Médiapart on the evening of the senatorial elections over several thousand euros in expenses allegedly claimed for personal purposes. Critics note the allegations came as he imposed cost-cutting measures on the channel's staff, fuelling outrage and mockery about standards at the Senate on social media.

Following Médiapart's revelations about Jordan Bardella, National Rally representatives have been sent onto French television programmes to play down the controversy. Party strategists are reportedly telling journalists they remain confident about their prospects in the presidential election, despite the damaging headlines and the defensive media push in recent days.

Marine Le Pen is facing renewed scrutiny after the investigative outlet Mediapart published revelations concerning Jordan Bardella. The National Rally figure responded with pointed remarks, warning that there would be "a response to the way they behave" and suggesting journalists might need a Kevlar suit. Critics read the tone as defensive and an attack on press freedom, while supporters frame it as justified pushback against hostile reporting.