Last Newspaper Hawker of Paris Honored by President Macron

Ali Akbar, the last newspaper hawker in France, is set to receive the Order of Merit from President Emmanuel Macron, symbolizing his fifty years of community service and passion for the printed word in an era of digital dominance.

After five decades on the bustling streets of Paris's Left Bank, Ali Akbar, a 72-year-old icon of traditional journalism, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of print media. Known as the last newspaper hawker in France, and possibly in all of Europe, he will be honored next month with France’s prestigious Order of Merit by none other than President Emmanuel Macron, a former customer from his student days.

Recalling his start in 1973, Akbar notes a stark contrast in the numbers of hawkers; “When I began here, there were 35 to 40 of us selling papers in Paris. Now, I am alone.” The shift towards digital consumption has drastically reduced the demand for physical newspapers, with Akbar able to sell merely 30 copies of *Le Monde* during his rounds today, compared to 80 on a busy day back when the internet was not yet a household staple.

Yet the drop in sales doesn't dampen his spirits. Emphasizing his love for the job, Akbar remarks, “I am a joyous person. And I am free. With this job, I am completely independent. There is no-one giving me orders.”

A beloved presence in his neighborhood, he has created lasting bonds with local residents over the years. “He knows everyone. And he is such fun,” one neighbor shared, highlighting the affection for Akbar's vibrant personality. Originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar’s journey to Europe began in the late 1960s. He continued his life in Paris after initially working on a cruise liner and has since become a part of the cultural fabric of the city.

Reflecting on the evolution of the Left Bank, he reminisces about its glory days when intellectuals, artists, and writers filled its streets. “The atmosphere isn’t the same,” he muses. “It used to be a hub of creativity.” Despite the changes, Ali Akbar remains a beacon of nostalgia, embracing his role as the last of his kind with a hopeful outlook and laughter.