Next day in the Palais de Justice journalists, diplomats, and observers all waited for what would follow.
The atmosphere was different.
They had watched a general fall with dignity.
They had seen a statesman reckon with policy and error.
But now came a man many believed to be the first real criminal among the Republic's former elite.
Judges Barbier, Claudel, and Levasseur entered.
Barbier's voice cut through the silence.
"We reconvene again but first, we deliver the final judgment in the case of Citizen Léon Blum."
Léon Blum stood quietly, his face pale.
His counsel, stood beside him.
Barbier continued, "This Tribunal finds that Citizen Blum committed no criminal treason or personal enrichment. However, it is acknowledged by this court that his governance obstructed military innovation, facilitated partisan appointments, and neglected pressing defense readiness."
