France’s Last Newspaper Hawker Knighted by President Macron
PARIS, 31 January 2026 – Ali Akbar, the 73-year-old believed to be the last traditional street newspaper vendor in Paris, has been awarded one of France’s highest civilian honours. President Emmanuel Macron conferred the insignia of Knight in the National Order of Merit on Akbar during a ceremony at the Élysée Palace on 28 January.
A Lifetime on the Streets of Saint-Germain
For over five decades, Ali Akbar has been a fixture in the Latin Quarter and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood, crisscrossing the streets to sell daily newspapers to café patrons and passers-by. Originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar arrived in France in 1973. After initial struggles with visas and working as a sailor and dishwasher, he found his calling selling publications, including the satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo, to students and intellectuals.
Key Facts: The Honour and the Man
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Honouree | Ali Akbar (sometimes referred to as Ali Akbar Akbar) |
| Award | Knight (Chevalier) of the National Order of Merit |
| Presented By | President Emmanuel Macron |
| Date of Ceremony | 28 January 2026 |
| Age & Origin | 73, born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| Career in France | Over 50 years as a newspaper hawker in Paris |
| President’s Quote | Macron called him “the most French of the French” and an example of integration. |
A Symbol of Resilience and Integration
The award recognises not only a lifetime of dedication but also a remarkable personal journey. Akbar has experienced homelessness, extreme poverty, and even physical attacks during his long career. President Macron praised Akbar’s “incredible destiny” and thanked him for his decades of service, stating his story “makes our country beautiful.” After the ceremony, Akbar joyfully declared, “Ça y est, je suis chevalier!” (“That’s it, I’m a knight!”).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Order of Merit?
The National Order of Merit (Ordre national du Mérite) is a French order of merit established in 1963. It is awarded by the President of the Republic for distinguished civil or military achievements. The rank of Knight (Chevalier) is its first and most common grade.
Why is Ali Akbar considered the last newspaper hawker?
The profession of the “crieur de journaux” or street newspaper vendor, who traditionally called out headlines and sold papers on street corners, has largely disappeared in the digital age. Akbar is widely reported to be the last individual practising this traditional method in Paris, making him a living piece of the city’s cultural history.
What does this award signify in a broader context?
The honouring of Ali Akbar is seen as a recognition of the often-invisible workers who form the fabric of daily French life. It also highlights themes of immigration, integration, and resilience, with President Macron framing Akbar’s story as a positive model for the nation.