Ali Akbar, a Pakistani-born newspaper seller who once lived in extreme poverty and survived violent attacks, has been awarded one of France’s national honors for his decades of service to the country.
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron named Akbar a knight in the National Order of Merit at a ceremony held at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Akbar is believed to be the last newspaper hawker still working on the streets of the French capital.
Praising Akbar’s “incredible destiny,” Macron thanked the 73-year-old for arriving in France decades ago, selling newspapers for more than 50 years, and embracing the country as his home.
“Dear Ali, thank you for bringing political news to our terraces at the top of your lungs, for warming the hearts of the Flore, the Deux Magots, and the Lipp brasserie,” Macron said, referring to some of Paris’ most famous cafés in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.
Macron described Akbar as “the accent of the 6th arrondissement” and “the voice of the French press.” He praised Akbar for mastering French and using it creatively, adding, “You have carried the world in your arms and France in your heart.”
Surrounded by family members at the ceremony, Akbar said he was “deeply moved” by the honor. He added that he already knew what he would shout on the streets of Paris in the coming days.
“That’s it, I’m a knight! I’ve made it!” Akbar said.
Akbar came to France hoping to escape poverty and send money back to his family in Pakistan. He first worked as a sailor and later as a dishwasher in a restaurant in the northern city of Rouen.
After moving to Paris, he met French humorist Georges Bernier, who gave him the opportunity to sell satirical newspapers, including Hara-Kiri and Charlie Hebdo. Over time, Akbar became known for inventing sensational and humorous headlines and turned into a local legend in the upscale streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Last year, Akbar said he could hardly believe that Macron wanted to award him one of France’s top honors. He recalled that they had often crossed paths when Macron was a student.
Despite receiving a pension of about 1,000 euros ($1,175) a month, Akbar continues to work every day. He now sells around 30 newspapers daily, compared with 150 to 200 when he first started.
He says he has no plans to stop. “I’m going to continue selling newspapers,” Akbar said. “I’m going to keep entertaining people with my jokes.”
Speaking later in a local interview, Akbar expressed emotional gratitude after receiving the prestigious award. When asked whether the Pakistani embassy in France had contacted him after the honor, he said it had not, but said it could happen in the future.
