Jean-Baptiste Marteau to Present France 2's '20 Heures' as Léa Salamé Steps Back for Partner's Presidential Run

Jean-Baptiste Marteau is set to anchor France 2's flagship evening news program, the "20 Heures," following a summer stint in the role. He steps in as a temporary replacement for Léa Salamé, who is taking a step back from presenting duties.

Salamé announced her temporary withdrawal in a statement released on social media. She explained that she is stepping away from the "20 Heures" to avoid any conflict of interest while her partner, Raphaël Glucksmann, runs for president in the 2027 election. This mirrors a similar decision she made during the past two European elections.

"These values will continue to drive the work of the 400 journalists and Jean-Baptiste Marteau who will produce the '20 Heures' every evening," Salamé stated, emphasizing the continuity of the program's journalistic integrity. Marteau, who has served as Salamé's substitute, will officially take the helm starting August 24, the date originally scheduled for Salamé's return to the broadcast.

Speculation about Salamé's temporary absence had been mounting. Notably, Marteau took a week off the previous week, a move seen as preparation for the demanding season ahead. The article notes that this piece is reserved for subscribers, with 81% of the content remaining locked.