FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 1953
Ownership
L'Express is a weekly French news magazine founded in 1953 by Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber and Françoise Giroup. After years under various owners (including Patrick Drahi's Altice/SFR Media), media entrepreneur Alain Weill - the founder of BFM TV - bought a controlling 51% stake in 2019 and by 2023 had acquired 100% of the company. It is now privately owned and controlled by Alain Weill.
Funding
Commercially financed through a mix of print and digital subscriptions (subscriptions are the majority of paid circulation), single-copy sales, paywalled premium content and advertising. It returned to profit in 2024 under Weill.
Affiliation & stance
Privately and commercially owned with no party or state control, so it is INDEPENDENT. Editorially it is liberal/centre-right.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 217
68/100
Factual
62/100
Objective
240
Articles
231
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
The Constitutional Council, the dividing line between Gabriel Attal, Edouard Philippe and Bruno Retailleau
The article titled 'Le Conseil constitutionnel, ligne de fracture entre Gabriel Attal, Edouard Philippe et Bruno Retailleau' from L'Express discusses a disagreement among French political figures regarding the Constitutional Council. The piece highlights tensions between Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, former President François Hollande's advisor Edouard Philippe, and Minister Bruno Retailleau over the role and decisions of the Constitutional Council. The conflict appears to center around differing views on constitutional interpretation and governance, reflecting broader ideological divides within the government.
Vatican invests €100 million in solar to become self-sufficient in electricity
The Vatican has announced an investment of 100 million euros into solar energy projects, aiming to achieve energy autonomy. This initiative involves installing photovoltaic panels across various locations within Vatican City, including rooftops and other suitable areas. The project reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and reducing reliance on external energy suppliers. It also aligns with global efforts to promote renewable energy sources.
'Any help is welcome', says Jean-Luc Mélenchon to Marine Tondelier
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader du mouvement La France Insoumise, a affirmé lors d'une interview sur TF1 que toute aide extérieure serait la bienvenue pour son parti, notamment face à Marine Tondelier des écologistes. Il a souligné que les partis de gauche, tels que les socialistes et les Verts, n'avaient encore pas défini leur stratégie ou choisi leurs candidats à seulement six mois de distance des élections. Mélenchon a également défendu sa vision d'un État écologique, appelant à la création d'«éco-régions» chargées de prévention, de réparation et de vigilance environnementale. Il a critiqué la mentalité «défaitiste» selon laquelle ses électeurs ne pourraient jamais gagner, rappelant qu'ils avaient été très proches de battre Marine Le Pen lors des dernières élections.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
Presidential 2027: Marine Tondelier, chronicle of an ambition that was thwarted
The article titled 'Présidentielle 2027 : Marine Tondelier, chronique d’une ambition contrariée' by L'Express focuses on Marine Tondelier's campaign for the 2027 French presidential election. It portrays her struggle to gain traction amid strong competition from other candidates, highlighting challenges she faces in positioning herself as a viable contender. The narrative suggests that her ambitions are being thwarted by both internal and external factors, including political dynamics and public perception. While the piece provides insight into her campaign strategy and personal motivations, it does not present a balanced view of all candidates or offer comprehensive context about the broader electoral landscape.
War in Ukraine: Kiev asks Elon Musk for access to Starlink to hit Russia
The article reports that Kyiv has requested access to Starlink technology from Elon Musk to target Russian forces during the ongoing war in Ukraine. The request highlights the strategic importance of satellite internet services in supporting military operations by enabling communication and coordination. While the article does not provide specific details on how Starlink would be used for direct attacks, it underscores the growing reliance on advanced technologies in modern warfare. The piece focuses on the geopolitical implications of such technological support and the potential impact on the conflict dynamics.
Ukraine: Emmanuel Macron promises to send interceptor missiles to Kiev after the deadly Kryvyi Rih strike
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to send interceptor missiles to Kyiv in response to a deadly attack in Kryvyi Rih. The attack, which resulted in multiple casualties, appears to have been carried out by Russian forces. Macron's announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with France playing an active role in supporting Ukraine through military aid. This move aligns with broader Western efforts to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities against continued Russian aggression.
Bering Strait: this 'forgotten' corridor which could become highly strategic
The article discusses the Bering Strait, a geographical passage between Russia and Alaska, which has historically been overlooked but is now gaining strategic importance. The strait connects the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and could become a critical route for trade, military operations, and resource extraction as climate change opens new navigation possibilities. With melting sea ice, the region is becoming more accessible, raising concerns and opportunities for geopolitical influence among nations like the United States, China, and Russia. The article highlights the potential economic and security implications of increased activity in this area.
Fires in Europe: burned areas could almost triple by 2100
The article from L'Express discusses the potential increase in burned areas due to wildfires in Europe by the year 2100. It highlights concerns over climate change exacerbating fire risks, leading to significantly higher land affected by fires compared to current levels. The piece emphasizes the environmental and societal impacts of such an escalation, including threats to ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure. While the article presents scientific projections and expert opinions, it does not provide specific data or detailed policy responses to address the issue.
Canada says will match new US 50% tariffs 'dollar for dollar'
Canada has announced its intention to impose retaliatory tariffs matching the newly introduced 50% tariffs by the United States, implementing a 'dollar for dollar' approach. This decision comes amid escalating trade tensions between the two North American countries. The move is expected to impact various sectors of the economy, particularly those reliant on cross-border trade. Canadian officials emphasized their commitment to protecting domestic industries from what they perceive as unfair U.S. trade practices. The announcement highlights ongoing disputes over trade policies and potential economic repercussions.
War in Ukraine: to help Kiev, EU must withdraw Russian assets from Belgium
The article discusses the idea that the European Union (EU) should withdraw Russian assets located in Belgium to support Kyiv during the ongoing war in Ukraine. It suggests that such a move would provide financial assistance to Ukraine while targeting Russia’s economic resources. The piece emphasizes the potential impact of this action on both the conflict and international relations, but does not elaborate on specific measures or current EU policies regarding frozen Russian assets.
'It was unbearable': Keir Starmer's former chief of staff tells of the explosive backstage of Downing Street
The article features an interview with the former chief of staff of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, who describes the chaotic and stressful environment within Downing Street during the leadership transition. The interview highlights internal tensions and challenges faced by the team as they navigated the complexities of managing the Labour Party’s campaign and governance. The narrative provides insight into the personal and professional pressures experienced by those close to Starmer during this period.
Gustave Courbet, the invention of a rebel
The article titled 'L'expo à découvrir : Gustave Courbet, l'invention d'un rebelle' by L'Express highlights an exhibition dedicated to the French painter Gustave Courbet, focusing on his role as a rebellious figure in art history. The piece likely explores Courbet's innovative techniques, his defiance of academic norms, and his influence on later artistic movements. As a 19th-century realist, Courbet challenged traditional artistic conventions and became a symbol of individualism in art. The exhibition aims to showcase his legacy and contributions to modern art, emphasizing his status as a pioneer who broke away from established artistic traditions.