Le scoop! France’s last newspaper hawker celebrated with prestigious award

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Ashifa Kassam European Community affairs correspondentJanuary 28, 2026 at 08:28 PM

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Ali Akbar, believed to be France's last newspaper hawker, received the Knight of the National Order of Merit in a ceremony at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Wednesday. The 73-year-old, originally from Pakistan, was honored by President Emmanuel Macron for his distinguished service to France. Akbar began selling newspapers in Paris in 1973 after visa issues prevented other work, seeking to support his family. Over five decades, he became a fixture in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, known for his friendly interactions and parodies of headlines. He sold newspapers to prominent figures, including former presidents and future leaders, becoming a beloved figure in the city's cultural landscape.

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Reuters 30% Rawalpindi 30% Édouard Philippe 30% François Mitterrand 40% Élysée Palace ×250% Pakistan ×250% Paris ×370% Emmanuel Macron ×370% France ×480% Ali Akbar ×790%

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newspaper hawker 100% ali akbar 90% france 90% prestigious award 70% emmanuel macron 60% cultural fabric 60% paris 50% national order of merit 50% street vendor 40%