For over five decades, Ali Akbar has been a fixture on the Left Bank of Paris, earning recognition as France's last remaining newspaper hawker, if not Europe's. At age 72, he has been distinguished with the Order of Merit, one of the highest honors in France, by President Emmanuel Macron, who remembers buying newspapers from him during his student days.
Akbar recounts the early days of his career, where he manned a bustling street alongside around 40 other hawkers in Paris during the 1970s. Now, he stands alone, selling just about 30 copies of Le Monde daily. The digital transition has taken a toll on his trade, with customers opting for news on their smartphones instead of paper. "In the old days people would crowd around me looking for the paper; now I have to chase them down," he states.
Yet, despite waning sales, Akbar cherishes the joy of his work. The freedom and independence it affords him fulfill a deeper mission beyond the monetary gain. His charm and energy make him a beloved character in the community, where patrons describe him as a brotherly figure who knows everyone and brings fun to the neighborhood.
Originally, from Rawalpindi, Akbar arrived in Europe in the late 1960s and eventually made Paris his home, where he obtained residency in the 1980s. His story is rich with personal anecdotes and cultural encounters, including memorable meetings with celebrities and political figures.
As he observes the changes in the Left Bank, Akbar laments the loss of its once vibrant cultural scene filled with writers, artists, and intellectuals, stating, "The atmosphere isn't the same... the place had soul. But now it is just tourist-town." Nonetheless, he retains a light-hearted approach, laughing as he reminisces about the past.
