FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 1908
Ownership
Les Échos, France's leading financial daily, was founded in 1908 by brothers Robert and Émile Servan-Schreiber. Since 2007 it has been owned by LVMH, the luxury conglomerate controlled by billionaire Bernard Arnault, who bought it from Britain's Pearson for about €240 million. It now sits inside LVMH's media subsidiary, the Les Échos–Le Parisien group.
Funding
The paper is funded commercially through subscriptions (including a strong digital paywall), single-copy sales and advertising, and is owned outright by LVMH rather than financed by any party or public source.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially it is a business-focused, economically liberal centre-right title with no party or state affiliation. Ownership by a single billionaire (Arnault) who controls much of France's business press has drawn independence concerns, but because control is commercial rather than party/church/state, it remains best classed INDEPENDENT — matching the site's tag, with the caveat of concentrated owner influence.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 182
74/100
Factual
70/100
Objective
209
Articles
208
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
There are no other profiles like him : the day Jordan Bardella replaced Marine Le Pen
The article discusses Jordan Bardella, the leader of the National Rally (RN), who was set to become the party’s future prime minister. It highlights his absence from France on November 13, 2024, during which he was in Brussels signing copies of his newly published autobiography. The book, titled 'Ce que je cherche,' sold over 230,000 copies and is described as a short memoir of a man turning 29. The piece notes the geographical proximity between his location in Brussels and the Paris courthouse, suggesting potential legal implications for Marine Le Pen’s presidential candidacy. However, the article ends abruptly due to subscription restrictions.
Sébastien Lecornu calls on parliamentarians to adopt a budget for 2027
In August 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu urged parliamentarians to approve the 2027 budget bill, warning against delays that could lead to 'disorder.' In a 14-page letter shared by Le Parisien, he criticized those who suggest delaying the budget as a 'comfortable solution,' arguing that such an approach would have serious economic consequences. Lecornu highlighted the potential impact of rising interest rates on the state and economy, echoing his earlier compromise in 2026 where he secured non-censorship in exchange for suspending pension reforms. He faces challenges in persuading parties like the PS and RN to support the legislation or refrain from censorship.
'A serious mistake': Jeanne-Françoise Hutin, who is opposed to assisted dying, wants to return her Legion of Honor to Emmanuel Macron
Jeanne-Françoise Hutin, founder of the Maison de l'Europe and a recipient of the Legion of Honour awarded by President Emmanuel Macron in 2019, has expressed strong opposition to France’s new law legalizing assisted dying. In an open letter published by La Croix, she criticizes the legislation for redefining euthanasia as a form of care, calling this a 'grave error.' She argues that requests to die may stem from feelings of despair, loneliness, or perceived uselessness rather than rational choice. Hutin also raises concerns about vulnerable individuals and references a testimonial from an elderly person who expressed fear about being unable to respond to such requests. While acknowledging the constitutional recognition of freedom of conscience for healthcare professionals, she emphasizes the need to prioritize access to palliative care before considering laws that allow ending life.
After the hacking of the tax office, the Paris prosecutor opens an investigation
The French judiciary has launched an investigation into a major cybersecurity breach targeting the tax administration in June. Nearly 700,000 individuals and businesses were affected, with sensitive personal data such as names, income information, and tax rates stolen from private citizens, while companies had less sensitive data like SIREN numbers compromised. The French Ministry of Public Prosecution, working with the Office Anticybercriminality (Ofac), is investigating potential criminal activities including unauthorized data extraction and participation in organized cybercrime groups. The attack is described as more sophisticated than previous incidents, raising concerns about state cybersecurity. Two young hackers, aged 22 and 15, were recently indicted after being linked to the 'Dumpsec' group, which targeted institutions like the National Assembly and companies such as Leroy Merlin. Authorities warn of increasing cyber threats and emphasize that users will be contacted regarding risks of identity theft.
Literary homecoming: Queen Ananda Devi in her kingdom
The article discusses the literary return of Ananda Devi, a prominent figure in French literature, highlighting her significance and influence within the literary world. It refers to her as 'la reine,' emphasizing her esteemed status among writers and readers. The piece likely explores her recent works, contributions to literature, and her position in the current literary landscape. Given the focus on a cultural figure and her impact on literature, the content appears to be centered around cultural and artistic themes rather than political issues.
Debt: why the cancellation proposed by Jean-Luc Mélenchon cannot work
The article discusses the feasibility of Jean-Luc Mélenchon's proposal to cancel debt, focusing on economic and financial implications. It argues that such a measure would be impractical due to potential negative effects on the economy, including reduced investor confidence and increased inflation. The piece highlights the complexity of managing national debt and suggests that alternative approaches to fiscal responsibility might be more viable. While the article does not provide specific data or detailed policy alternatives, it emphasizes the need for careful consideration before implementing radical debt cancellation strategies.
European banks shower billions on their shareholders
The article reports that European banks are distributing billions of euros to their shareholders, highlighting significant financial returns to investors. This trend reflects strong performance by these institutions, possibly driven by favorable market conditions and effective management strategies. The focus is on the substantial sums being returned to shareholders rather than reinvestment into the economy or other areas. The piece does not delve into the broader economic implications or regulatory concerns associated with such large shareholder payouts.
Mathieu Bock-Côté: Tax piracy or the Leviathan brought down
The article features several editorials and interviews discussing economic and fiscal challenges in France. One interview highlights concerns about artificial intelligence potentially not revolutionizing the economy, suggesting other technologies might have more significant impacts. Another editorial by Gaëtan de Capèle criticizes the French government’s proposed tax reforms targeting 'comfortable classes' as outdated and insufficient for addressing financial difficulties. A second editorial warns about rising interest rates and the unsustainable level of national debt, noting that the state will spend over 64 billion euros this year solely on interest payments, which could rise to 100 billion soon.
The CAC 40 is heading for its biggest weekly decline since April, despite the US Treasury's activism on interest rates
The CAC 40 index is trending toward its largest weekly decline since April, despite active U.S. Treasury interventions in interest rates. The market movement reflects ongoing volatility influenced by global economic factors and central bank policies. Analysts note that the Federal Reserve's rate adjustments continue to impact investor sentiment across European markets. While the U.S. Treasury's actions aim to stabilize financial conditions, they have not been sufficient to counter broader market concerns.
Engineers: why the number of pupils in schools is declining while the needs are soaring
The article discusses concerns raised by engineers regarding the declining number of students in engineering schools despite increasing demand for skilled professionals. It highlights the mismatch between educational capacity and industry needs, suggesting potential challenges for future workforce development. The piece emphasizes the need for addressing enrollment trends and aligning education systems with economic demands.
Trade: why Germany is changing its face in the face of China's rising tide
The article discusses how Germany is altering its approach to trade amid significant shifts in China's economic landscape. It highlights concerns over China's growing influence and potential threats to European markets, prompting Germany to reassess its commercial strategies. The piece explores the reasons behind this shift, including increased competition from Chinese imports and strategic considerations regarding supply chain security. Germany's new stance reflects broader efforts within the EU to address trade imbalances and safeguard domestic industries.
Success in the Netherlands and Australia : Privatisation of the redeployment of the unemployed, a solution that could benefit France
The article discusses the success of privatizing unemployment reclassification programs in the Netherlands and Australia, suggesting that France could benefit from adopting a similar approach. It highlights how these countries have implemented private sector involvement in helping unemployed individuals transition to new jobs, resulting in improved efficiency and outcomes. The piece emphasizes the potential advantages France might gain by exploring such reforms, though it does not provide specific data or detailed examples of implementation.
Hacking of tax data: In cybersecurity, we are Europe's donkeys
The article discusses concerns over the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of France's tax administration, highlighting criticism that France appears lagging behind other European countries in this area. The phrase 'les ânes de l'Europe' (the donkeys of Europe) is used metaphorically to suggest that France is being outpaced by its European counterparts in terms of digital security capabilities. This comes amid reports of data breaches or potential hacking incidents involving the French tax authority. The piece raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures in place to protect sensitive financial information.