After half a century of selling newspapers on Paris's Left Bank, Ali Akbar receives the Order of Merit from President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting the decline of traditional newspaper sales in a digital age while celebrating the joy of Akbar's unique vocation.
Paris's Legendary Newspaper Hawker Honored with Order of Merit by President Macron
Paris's Legendary Newspaper Hawker Honored with Order of Merit by President Macron
Ali Akbar, France's last remaining newspaper hawker, is recognized for his indelible mark on Parisian culture with the prestigious Order of Merit.
For more than 50 years, Ali Akbar has been an unwavering presence on Paris's Left Bank, selling newspapers and engaging with the community. Recently, he was honored by President Emmanuel Macron, who once bought newspapers from him as a student. The 72-year-old has witnessed a dramatic decline in his trade, from once selling 80 copies of Le Monde in an hour to now managing about 30 sales on his daily rounds, touching on the impact of the digital age on traditional media.
Reflecting on his early days in 1973 when there were upwards of 40 hawkers in Paris, Akbar shares the bittersweet reality of being the last in his profession, expressing that the joy he derives from his work keeps him motivated despite the challenges. Known for his vibrant personality and deep local connections, he has become a beloved figure, recalled fondly by long-time residents of Saint-Germain.
Originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar's journey began in Amsterdam aboard a cruise liner before settling in Paris. He cherishes the relationships he built with renowned writers and politicians over the decades, though he recognizes a shift in the neighborhood's essence, lamenting the loss of the intellectual vibrancy that once characterized the area. Nevertheless, his laughter and vibrant spirit shine through, illuminating his continued passion for a job that has defined his life in the city he loves.
