**Ali Akbar: France's Last Newspaper Hawker Honored by Macron**

**Despite the digital age's impact on his trade, Akbar continues to embrace the joy of being a newspaper hawker in the iconic Left Bank.**

In a heartfelt tribute to tradition, France's last remaining newspaper hawker, Ali Akbar, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit by President Emmanuel Macron, who fondly recalls buying papers from him during his student days. The 72-year-old Akbar has spent over half a century selling newspapers on the Left Bank, witnessing a dramatic decline in the profession as digital media surged.

When he began his journey in 1973, Akbar was one of as many as 40 hawkers working in Paris. Today, he stands alone, showcasing a resilience that belies the challenges presented by an increasingly digital world. "People just want to consult their phones now," he reveals, acknowledging how the once thriving trade has shrunk.

On a typical day in the chic cafés of Saint-Germain, Akbar manages to sell approximately 30 copies of *Le Monde*, drastically down from the 80 he would sell within an hour before the internet revolutionized news consumption. Despite this decline, Akbar approaches his work with infectious enthusiasm. "I am a joyous person. With this job, I am completely independent. There is no one giving me orders," he explains, highlighting his passion for personal freedom.

Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Akbar arrived in Europe in the late 1960s. He initially worked on a cruise liner before settling in Paris one year after the ship docked in Rouen. His history in the city is rich, filled with encounters with prominent figures in arts and politics. He humorously recalls Elton John treating him to milky tea, illustrating the colorful life he's led amidst the city’s intellectual elite.

Reflecting on the changes in his neighborhood, Akbar expresses nostalgia for a time when Saint-Germain buzzed with artists and thinkers rather than tourists. "The atmosphere isn't the same. The soul has gone," he laments, yet his laughter reveals an enduring spirit. Akbar remains an emblem of endurance, celebrating his role as the last standing newspaper hawker in a world that has moved on.