Ali Akbar, a 73-year-old Pakistani immigrant, is set to receive one of France’s highest honors, the Order of Merit, for his dedication to selling newspapers on the streets of Paris for over 50 years. President Emmanuel Macron, who once bought newspapers from Akbar as a student, will decorate him with the award in September. Akbar is believed to be France’s last remaining newspaper hawker, and his commitment to the profession has earned him a special place in the hearts of Parisians.
Despite the decline of print media, Akbar continues to sell newspapers daily, with a cheerful demeanor and quick wit that has charmed locals and visitors alike. He sells around 30 copies of Le Monde per day, a significant drop from the 80 copies he would sell within the first hour of publication back in the day. Akbar attributes the decline to the rise of digital media, saying people now prefer to consult their phones rather than buy newspapers. However, he remains committed to his job, citing the freedom and independence it brings.
Akbar is a beloved figure in the Latin Quarter, where he has been selling newspapers for decades. Locals praise his warm personality and dedication to his work. “Ali is an institution. I buy Le Monde from him every day. In fact, we do a little more than buy Le Monde for him. We have coffee with him, sometimes we have lunch with him,” says one grateful customer, Marie-Laure Carriere. Akbar’s journey from a teenage migrant to a cultural staple in Saint-Germain is a testament to his resilience and spirit.
Akbar laments the changes in the legendary Left Bank neighborhood, saying it has lost its soul. “Back then, there were publishers and writers everywhere – and actors and musicians. The place had soul. But now it is just tourist-town,” he says. Despite this, Akbar remains optimistic and continues to sell newspapers with enthusiasm. His story reflects the challenges faced by many immigrant workers in France and highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
The Order of Merit is a fitting recognition of Akbar’s dedication to his profession and his contribution to French culture. As the last newspaper hawker in Paris, Akbar’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving traditional professions and the value of human connection in a digital age.
