FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 1944
Ownership
Le Monde, founded in December 1944 at the urging of Charles de Gaulle, is published by Groupe Le Monde. Journalists held a controlling stake from 1944 until 2010, when financial distress forced them to cede control to the trio of Pierre Bergé, Xavier Niel and Matthieu Pigasse. The group is now controlled via the holding Le Monde Libre (about 72.5%), split in equal thirds between Le Nouveau Monde (Matthieu Pigasse and Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, who bought into Pigasse's stake in 2018), NJJ Presse (telecoms entrepreneur Xavier Niel) and Berlys Media (Madison Cox, Bergé's heir); the Spanish media group Prisa holds the remaining ~20%.
Funding
Financed commercially through print and digital subscriptions (one of France's largest paid digital news audiences), newsstand sales and advertising, backed by its private billionaire shareholders. No state or party funding.
Affiliation & stance
A centre-left reference daily. Despite billionaire ownership, a Pôle d'indépendance grouping journalists, staff and readers holds a blocking minority and a contractual veto allowing it to delay any sale of a controlling stake, an arrangement strengthened after the 2018 Křetínský deal. Because it is privately owned with entrenched editorial-independence safeguards and no party or state control, it is INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 664
72/100
Factual
70/100
Objective
797
Articles
797
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Putin recognizes the oil map for the first time
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
Police raid EU far-right offices, including's France's National Rally, over allegations of misuse of EU funds
Much of Europe on red alert as heatwave set to intensify
Patrick Bruel released under judicial supervision after being charged with rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment
Pressure mounts on UK Prime Minister Starmer amid reports he could resign within days
In the Place de la République, Raphaël Arnault thanks LFI for its support
Lyhanna case: Gérald Darmanin announces an administrative inquiry into a substitute of the prosecutor of Auch
Court confirms Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi will be tried for rape
Recent coverage
Sudan's RSF closes in on Al Obeid as UN warned of imminent atrocities
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, is advancing toward Al Obeid in the North Kordofan region, which is currently held by the Sudanese army. The city has experienced significant disruptions due to RSF drone strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure, including the main power station, leading to power outages, water shortages, and hospital operations being affected. Residents report that life remains mostly normal despite these challenges, though fuel shortages persist after attacks on gas stations. Videos circulating online show RSF fighters claiming they will capture Al Obeid within days. Al Obeid is strategically important as it houses the army's 5th Infantry Division and serves as a major commercial hub. Losing this city would be a significant setback for the army, similar to their previous loss of El Fasher in Darfur, which led to widespread atrocities by the RSF. In response, multiple countries, including Norway, Britain, France, and Germany, have raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council, warning of potential large-scale atrocities if the RSF escalates its assault on Al Obeid.
In 15 regions of Russia, restrictions on the sale of fuel were introduced for 24 hours
At least 15 regions in Russia implemented fuel sales restrictions on June 23 due to a fuel shortage caused by attacks on oil refining facilities by Ukrainian drones. The restrictions include limiting fuel purchases to specific volumes per person and banning refueling into cans. These measures were introduced in major regions such as Khanty-Mansiysk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Tyumen, Novosibirsk, Saratov, Penza, Omsk, Voronezh, Murmansk, and Krasnoyarsk. Authorities cited the need to prevent artificial shortages and excessive demand. In Irkutsk Oblast, some gas stations imposed limits while others stopped operating entirely. Governor Igor Kobzev initially linked the fuel shortage to drone strikes but later removed this statement. In Vladimir Oblast, residents were urged to reduce car travel, and in North Ossetia, authorities ordered the creation of an emergency fuel reserve. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the situation as 'not simple but controlled,' attributing regional restrictions to temporary logistical issues. Fuel sales have effectively halted in Crimea after an attack on a logistics hub in the Kerch Strait, with the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service also禁止
Development of the fighting (day 1586): Mutual destruction of logistics is underway, the Russians are doing it a little differently than the Ukrainians
The article provides a detailed overview of ongoing military developments on June 28, focusing on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It highlights the strategic efforts of both sides to disrupt each other’s logistics, with Ukraine targeting Russian fuel depots and infrastructure while Russia attempts to counter by attacking Ukrainian supply lines. The piece notes that Russia is strengthening its air defense around Moscow, possibly preparing to deploy Ukrainian-made ballistic missiles. It also reports on recent attacks on Russian facilities, including a refinery in Voronezh and damage to a factory in Volgograd. Ukraine has lost two MiG-29 aircraft in a single day, and there are ongoing battles in areas like Raj-Olexandrivka. The article emphasizes the evolving nature of the conflict, noting that neither side has achieved a decisive advantage. It includes maps and videos showing various combat activities, such as drone operations and the destruction of Russian military installations.
An American gets the maximum amount of recovery time at Wimbledon.
The article discusses the scheduling of the first-round doubles match at Wimbledon involving American tennis player Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams against the Argentine-Colombian pair Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. The match was initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but has been postponed due to Serena's injury during her singles match. Tournament organizer Andy Murray (likely a misstatement, as Andy Murray is a British player, and the correct name might be someone like Ashley Barker or another official) stated they are giving Serena as much time as possible to recover. They ruled out postponing the match to later dates unless necessary for safety or tournament flow. The match is expected to take place on a larger court to accommodate the large crowd attracted by Serena and Venus, who are major stars. Serena returned to professional tennis after four years, but she lost her first singles match and injured her knee. She did not attend a press conference afterward due to health reasons and expressed her commitment to participating in the doubles event. Serena and Venus have won six doubles titles together, including a title in 2016.
Ukraine reports two dead after night attacks by Russia, with the death toll in Kiev rising to 30.
At least two people were killed and eight injured in Russian air strikes on the Sumy region and Kryvyj Rih in Ukraine during the night of Thursday to Friday, according to Ukrainian authorities. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv earlier in the week which killed at least 30 people and injured around 100 others. In response to the attacks, Ukraine conducted missile strikes on Belgorod in Russia, causing a fire at an energy facility and killing one woman, according to Russian media. The overnight strike on the city of Romny in the Sumy region hit a residential building, killing two women and injuring a man, reported regional administrator Oleh Hryhorov via Telegram. Another seven people were injured in a missile strike on Kryvyj Rih, according to military city administrator Oleksandr Vilkul. In Kyiv, teams discovered three more dead bodies during the night, bringing the total number of victims to 30, according to Reuters citing Ukrainian health authorities. Kyiv's military administrator Tymur Tkačenko stated that the attack injured 99 people. Moscow claimed the extensive attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, including those carried
Venezuela's La Guaira port reopens to deliver earthquake aid, US military says
Venezuela's La Guaira port, one of the country's two main ports, has reopened after repairs and is being used by the U.S. military to deliver aid following devastating earthquakes that struck near the Caribbean coast. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, caused widespread destruction, killing over 1,700 people and leaving tens of thousands missing. The U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the USS Fort Lauderdale is utilizing the port to supply essential resources, while a senior U.S. official noted ongoing efforts by Marines to restore infrastructure. The U.S. has pledged additional funding of over $300 million to support relief efforts, directing aid through various international organizations. Satellite data suggests significant infrastructure damage, with estimates indicating nearly 59,000 buildings potentially affected, though these figures remain unverified on the ground.
EN DIRECT - Aude, Canet-en-Roussillon : les incendies se multiplient dans le sud de la France
Multiple wildfires have been reported across southern France, affecting several departments including the Aude, Côte-d'Or, and Gard. As of late Wednesday evening, over 30 fires were active nationwide, with more than 2000 firefighters deployed to combat them. In the Aude department, Canet-en-Roussillon has seen significant evacuations, with nearly 2000 vacationers relocated to nearby towns due to safety measures. At least 800 hectares have been burned in the region, and there are concerns about toxic materials at risk in the area. In Côte-d'Or, an 15-hectare fire was being fought by local emergency services, while in the Gard department, multiple fires were active but some showed signs of containment. Authorities have activated emergency operations centers and implemented local safety plans.
Explosion in Monaco: the home of the main suspect, a Ukrainian national, searched in Germany
An explosion occurred in Monaco on June 29, targeting the residence of an oligarch's family. The main suspect, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman named Anastasia Berezovska, was identified within 48 hours by investigators. She allegedly planted an explosive device on the doorstep of the victims' home using a remote control. Two men were detained but their involvement remains unclear. German authorities raided her rented residence in Germany, seizing evidence and finding her in hiding. Surveillance footage initially showed a man wearing a black hat and loose clothing, but further analysis revealed the same woman disguised as a man. The blast resulted in three casualties, one of whom remains critically injured. The suspect had previously conducted reconnaissance visits in the days leading up to the attack.
Morocco, Brazil and Paraguay advance to Round of 16
The Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup featured several dramatic moments, with Morocco, Brazil, and Paraguay advancing to the Round of 16. Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive spot-kick. This marked the Netherlands' earliest exit from the World Cup. Meanwhile, Brazil secured its progression with a win against Japan. In another unexpected result, Paraguay stunned Germany in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3. This was a significant upset, especially for Germany, who have struggled in recent tournaments. Paraguay's victory was celebrated widely in their home country, highlighting their underdog status compared to Germany's reputation as a football powerhouse.
Between drought and pollution, the need to re-politicize water use
The article discusses the growing water scarcity crisis, highlighting how droughts and pollution are intensifying power dynamics and exposing the limitations of current extractive resource exploitation models. It references the journal 'Mouvements' which explores various challenges related to water shortages. The piece emphasizes that these crises reveal underlying social and economic inequalities, as well as the unsustainable nature of current water usage practices.
Rosiers Street bombing: Palestinian accused challenges terms of his extradition from the West Bank
Mahmoud Abed Adra, également connu sous le nom de Hicham Harb, a été extradé de la Cisjordanie vers la France le 16 avril après avoir été accusé d'être le superviseur de l'attentat de la rue des Rosiers en 1982. Les avocats de l'accusé ont dénoncé l'intervention des agents français dans le processus d'extradition, suggérant que cela pourrait affecter sa défense ou ses droits fondamentaux.
Living spectacle: 28 cultural structures hit by subsidy cuts
As the Avignon Festival was about to open, the National Union of Artistic and Cultural Enterprises raised concerns in a letter sent to President Emmanuel Macron and various ministers about an extreme emergency situation affecting 28 cultural institutions due to reduced subsidies.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon defends his é ecoregions to better attract environmentalists for the 2027 presidential election
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the France Insoumise party, has begun outlining a key measure in his program called 'écorégions' during a press speech. This initiative aims to attract members of the Greens (Les Verts) ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Mélenchon requested the support of the Greens, while some within the Green movement are calling for talks with LFI (France Insoumise). The proposal remains largely undefined at this stage.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
South Africa under pressure as xenophobic groups' ultimatum expires
Controversy in Roubaix after the mayor refused to name a school after the murdered teacher, Samuel Paty
US Supreme Court expands Trump's power to fire officials, but protects Fed
Watch: Moment Trump signs US-Iran agreement at Versailles
Lyhanna's death: expectation of a real political response to sexual violence against children
US urges Europe to impose Ebola travel bans ahead of FIFA World Cup
Jean Ziegler, Swiss leftist and critic of capitalism, died at the age of 92
FIFA: Michel Platini sues Gianni Infantino for drug trafficking and defamatory reporting
