FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 1973
Ownership
Libération is a left-leaning Paris daily co-founded in 1973 by Jean-Paul Sartre and Serge July. After years of losses it came under the control of telecoms billionaire Patrick Drahi, whose Altice group held it via SFR Presse. In 2020 Drahi cleared its roughly €50 million in debt and transferred the title to a non-profit endowment fund (fonds de dotation) created by Altice, structured to give the paper editorial, economic and financial independence.
Funding
Libération is financed by subscriptions and newsstand sales plus advertising, and is underpinned by the Altice-created endowment fund that absorbed its debts and continues to support it.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially Libération is firmly on the centre-left/left with no party or state ownership. Its assets are held by a non-profit press-independence fund rather than by a party, church or the state, so it is classed INDEPENDENT, in line with the site's tag — though the fund's origin in a single billionaire's telecoms group is a noted caveat.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 332
80/100
Factual
73/100
Objective
423
Articles
423
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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
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
Rubio heads to UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain to discuss Iran deal with Gulf allies
In Paris, BHV changes operator and ends its partnership with Shein
Parachuting baptism, plane crash "suddenly" ... What we know about the plane crash that killed 11 near Nancy
The number of calls has doubled : with the heat, the funeral companies are on edge
Recent coverage
In the tropical Pacific, El Niño conditions have set in, researchers say.
The article reports that researchers from New Zealand’s Earth Sciences organization (ESNZ) have identified conditions consistent with the El Niño climate phenomenon in the tropical Pacific. They warn that impacts on New Zealand’s weather are likely to intensify over the coming months. The ESNZ joined other organizations in Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in confirming the development of El Niño, which is expected to reach strong intensity between July and September. The effects are projected to peak during the Southern Hemisphere summer, spanning late 2023 into early 2024. According to lead researcher Chris Brandolini, this El Niño event is at least comparable in strength to five of the strongest recorded El Niños in modern history. The article outlines regional rainfall expectations, noting potential below-average precipitation in some areas and above-normal levels in others. It also mentions possible temperature fluctuations and increased wind variability later in the year. Additionally, it notes two lower-probability risks: sudden stratospheric warming and the occurrence of a tropical cyclone outside the typical season, both historically linked to El Niño. Brandolini connects the
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.
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.
2027 presidential election: Olivier Faure says he supports a ban on opinion polls
The article discusses the debate over banning opinion polls ahead of the 2027 French presidential election, focusing on the stance of Olivier Faure, first secretary of the Socialist Party. Faure argues that opinion polls have become too influential, shifting focus away from substantive political debates and encouraging voters to prioritize popularity over conviction. He criticizes the current system, where campaigns revolve around poll numbers rather than candidates' policies. The idea of banning polls is supported by other political figures and observers, including Brice Teinturier of Ipsos, who warns of the risks associated with relying heavily on polling data. However, legal challenges remain, as French law already regulates but does not prohibit opinion polls, and past attempts to ban them were deemed unconstitutional due to freedom of expression concerns.
Pogacar supported by Del Toro in UAE-Team Emirates, Sivakov is absent
The UAE Team Emirates cycling team has announced its lineup for the 2026 Tour de France, which begins in Barcelona on Saturday. Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cyclist aiming for his fifth Tour victory, will be supported by Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro and British cyclist Adam Yates, among others. Notably, French rider Pavel Sivakov is absent from the squad, having been replaced by American Brandon McNulty and Austrian Felix Grossschartner. The team emphasized their strong preparation and excitement for the race, highlighting the significance of the Tour de France as their most challenging and motivating event of the season. The opening stage will feature a team time trial in Barcelona.
Why the heat wave continues to kill even after the temperature drops
The article discusses the ongoing health impacts of a prolonged heatwave in France, even after temperatures have begun to drop. Despite the gradual cooling, medical professionals and health authorities warn that the effects of extreme heat can persist for several days. According to Santé publique France, over 1,000 excess deaths were recorded between June 24 and June 26 compared to previous months, though these deaths have not yet been officially attributed to the heat. The data highlights a significant increase in home-related deaths, particularly among the elderly, who make up 85% of the reported fatalities. Experts like epidemiologist Basile Chaix note that the heat can exacerbate existing conditions, leading to delayed health consequences such as increased risk of relapses in diseases like multiple sclerosis and premature births. Doctors caution that the mortality linked to this heatwave could reach up to 7,000 cases, with some effects appearing weeks later.
GPA: France must recognise paternity acted on by a foreign court, Court of Cassation rules
The French Supreme Court (Cour de cassation) has ruled that France must recognize parentage established by a foreign court in cases involving gestational surrogacy (GPA). The decision emphasizes the principle of international recognition of judicial decisions, reinforcing France’s commitment to respecting rulings made abroad. This ruling comes amid ongoing legal debates surrounding the ethical and legal implications of surrogacy arrangements. The case highlights the complexities of cross-border family law and the role of national courts in upholding international agreements.
Police raid EU far-right offices, including's France's National Rally, over allegations of misuse of EU funds
French police, acting on European authorities' orders, conducted raids across France and other European countries investigating potential misuse of EU funds by the defunct Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament. The ID group included members from France's far-right National Rally (RN), Italy's League, and Germany's AfD. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) confirmed the investigation, which began in July 2023 after reports of suspected improper spending of 4.3 million euros between 2019 and 2024. The ID group was dissolved after the 2024 European Parliament elections, replaced by the Patriots for Europe group led by RN leader Jordan Bardella. Bardella has previously accused the European Parliament of launching a 'harassment operation' against his party. Meanwhile, RN leader Marine Le Pen faces potential disqualification from running for president due to a separate legal case involving an alleged fake jobs scam.
Wildfires rage in southern France, 3,000 people evacuated
The article reports on wildfires raging in southern France, leading to the evacuation of 3,000 people. The footage provided by France 24 highlights the ongoing crisis, showing the scale of the fires and their impact on local communities. The report includes visuals of smoke-filled skies and affected areas, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. While the article provides factual information about the wildfires, it does not delve into the causes or broader implications of the event. The focus remains on the immediate effects and the response efforts.
Lyhanna case: the mother of Rosa, one of Jérôme Barella's victims, lodges a complaint against Gérald Darmanin
The mother of Rosa, one of the victims of Jérôme Barella, has filed a lawsuit against Gérald Darmanin. This legal action comes in the context of the Lyhanna case, which involves the murder of a young girl by Jérôme Barella, who was later convicted. The case has drawn significant public attention in France due to the tragic nature of the crime and the subsequent legal proceedings. Rosa was one of the two girls killed by Barella, and her family's decision to take legal action against Darmanin, who was the Minister of the Interior at the time, suggests they believe he may have failed in his duties related to the case. The lawsuit could lead to further scrutiny of the government's handling of the investigation into Barella's crimes.
Mondial 2026 : le crépuscule ou l'exploit, Ronaldo face à son destin
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 ans, faces a pivotal moment in his career during the 2026 World Cup as he attempts to silence critics ahead of Portugal's Round of 16 match against Croatia. Despite being the most capped and highest goal-scorer in Portuguese history, Ronaldo has faced scrutiny over his defensive contributions and overall impact on the team. Portugal started their campaign with a draw against DR Congo and a dominant 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, with Ronaldo scoring twice to become Portugal's all-time World Cup scorer. However, a goalless draw against Colombia left them second in their group, reigniting doubts about Ronaldo's commitment. His teammate João Félix defended Ronaldo, stating that the Saudi Arabian league is competitive and that he feels no difference in intensity compared to other leagues. Coach Roberto Martínez, however, faces criticism for not maximizing the potential of a squad filled with talent.
An investigation opened after an accident in Paris involving Jean-Pierre Raffarin's official car
An investigation has been launched following an accident in Paris involving the official vehicle of former Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin. The incident, which involved a government car, has raised questions about accountability and safety protocols. Authorities are examining whether there were any violations of regulations or negligence involved. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the proper handling of state resources and the potential for political implications. No further details about the circumstances of the crash have been provided at this time.
A Némésis activist convicted of defamation against the former environmentalist mayor of Besançon
A member of the Némésis group has been convicted of defamation against a former ecologist mayor of Besançon. The case involves allegations made by the activist against the former municipal leader, resulting in legal action. The conviction highlights tensions between environmental activists and local officials. The specifics of the accusations and the legal proceedings were reported by Libération.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
An RN wedding to identity and neo-fascist guests in Lot-et-Garonne
We are here because Israel is not sanctioned: under pressure from a boycott, Israeli filmmaker Nadav Lapid withdraws from the FID Marseille festival
