In the heart of Paris’s St.-Germain-des-Prés, among stylish cafes and boutiques, a familiar voice rings out: “Ça y est!” The man behind the call is Ali Akbar, a 72-year-old newspaper seller from Rawalpindi, who has spent over 50 years bringing the news—and a bit of humor—to the city’s streets.
Akbar, known for his quick wit and infectious smile, is believed to be the last newspaper hawker in France. He’s a fixture at legendary spots like Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp, where he sells papers such as Le Monde and Les Echos from noon until midnight, often adding playful headlines of his own to catch attention.
His journey to Paris was anything but easy. Born into poverty in Pakistan, Akbar left home as a teenager, traveling through Afghanistan, Iran, and Greece before finally settling in France in the early 1970s. He worked odd jobs, faced hardship and discrimination, and even slept under bridges before finding his calling as a newspaper vendor.
Over the decades, Akbar has become a beloved figure in the neighborhood, known for his resilience and good humor. He’s met everyone from presidents to artists, but remains humble, earning a modest living and supporting his family back in Pakistan.
Recently, Akbar’s contributions were recognized at the highest level: President Emmanuel Macron awarded him the Légion d’Honneur, France’s top honor, which he will receive at the Élysée Palace this fall. Despite his fame, Akbar still struggles with French bureaucracy and hopes the award will help him finally secure citizenship.
For Akbar, selling newspapers is more than a job—it’s a way to connect with people and bring a little joy to their day. “When you have nothing, you take whatever you can get,” he says. And for the people of St.-Germain, Ali Akbar is much more than a newspaper hawker—he’s a cherished part of Parisian life.