Archive · 11 Aug 2025
Last French Newspaper Hawker to Get National Honour
In France, there used to be many people who sold newspapers on the street, but now there is only one left: Ali Akbar.
He's going to get a special award from the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, who used to buy newspapers from him!
Akbar has been selling papers for over 50 years, but not as many people buy newspapers anymore since it's easier to read news on phones and tablets.
Akbar likes selling newspapers because he enjoys the feeling of paper.
He goes to cafes in Paris and sells about 30 copies a day.
He doesn't get any money back for the unsold papers.
Ali Akbar, the last newspaper hawker in France, will receive the National Order of Merit.
The honor will be presented by French President Emmanuel Macron, a former customer.
Akbar has spent over 50 years selling newspapers in Paris' Latin Quarter.
Once common, newspaper hawkers have declined due to online news consumption.
Akbar, originally from Pakistan, sells around 30 copies of Le Monde daily.
- Who
- Ali Akbar, a newspaper hawker, and President Emmanuel Macron.
- What
- Ali Akbar, the last newspaper hawker in France, is receiving the National Order of Merit.
- When
- The award is forthcoming; the article does not specify an exact date.
- Where
- Paris, France.
- Why
- To honor his decades of service.
Decline of Traditional Media
N/A
Changing News Consumption
Decline of Traditional Media
Newspaper hawkers and street sales have significantly decreased because of the rise in online news.
N/A
N/A
- Recipient
- Ali Akbar
- Honor
- National Order of Merit
- Presented by
- President Emmanuel Macron
- Profession
- Newspaper Hawker
- Location of work
- Paris, France
- Origin
- Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Newspaper Sold
- Le Monde