Paris, France – A shocking incident has rocked the political landscape of the Republic of France today, as the meticulously curated rose garden surrounding the Élysée Palace was discovered to have been deliberately poisoned. The primary suspect is Léo, the Palace’s long-serving head gardener, who is currently being held for questioning by French authorities.

The discovery was made early this morning by a team of groundskeepers conducting their regular morning checks. Initial assessments revealed widespread symptoms of toxicity across several of the Prime Minister’s most prized rose bushes – a collection painstakingly assembled over decades. Samples have been sent to the national botanical institute for analysis, confirming the presence of a potent, yet unidentified, pesticide.

“It was… devastating,” stated Jean-Pierre Dubois, a senior groundskeeper who discovered the damage. “The ‘Rouge Élysée,’ the Prime Minister’s favourite, was completely wilted, the petals blackened. It’s like someone deliberately wanted to destroy beauty.”

Léo, a man known for his quiet demeanor and unwavering dedication to the Palace’s gardens, has refused to comment directly on the allegations. However, a brief statement released through his lawyer emphasized his deep connection to the roses and expressed disbelief at the possibility of harming them. “Léo has dedicated his life to these plants,” the statement read. “He would never intentionally inflict harm upon them. This is a terrible misunderstanding.”

Sources within the Palace suggest Léo has been increasingly withdrawn in recent weeks, exhibiting signs of distress and unusual behaviour. Rumours have circulated about a personal dispute with a member of the Prime Minister’s inner circle, though no concrete evidence has yet surfaced.

The Prime Minister himself, visibly shaken, addressed the nation this afternoon. “These roses represent more than just flowers,” he declared. “They are a symbol of our nation’s beauty and resilience. I trust that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

The incident has triggered a national debate about security protocols at the Palace and the potential for politically motivated attacks. Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.