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
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 431
74/100
Factual
70/100
Objective
522
Articles
505
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
"We must be discreet, so as not to endanger our careers": who are the "Phrygians", this anonymous circle close to France Insoumise
The article reports on a secret network of approximately eighty high-ranking civil servants, referred to as 'Phrygiens,' who are working discreetly to support the political rise of Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the France Insoumise movement. These officials, spread across various state ministries including Bercy and the Quai d'Orsay, create internal documents and offer their expertise to bolster Mélenchon’s chances of winning power. The group was formed in May 2026 after Mélenchon announced his candidacy, with members self-organizing and selecting leaders to manage the network. They aim to legitimize the movement’s ability to govern and implement radical policies. The article notes that this practice is not unique to France Insoumise, as other parties like the National Rally have similar networks, such as the 'Horaces.'
'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.
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.
In Toulouse, the communists are charting their course and preparing the entrance of Fabien Roussel
The article reports on the activities of communist parties in Toulouse, highlighting their efforts to establish a presence and prepare for the potential entry of Fabien Roussel into political prominence. It suggests that these actions are part of a broader strategy to position Roussel within the political landscape.
Medical allowances: the government gives up doubling the ceilings in the immediate future
The French government has decided to abandon its immediate plan to double the medical franchise limits. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about healthcare costs and patient contributions in France. The medical franchise refers to the amount patients must pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. While the government had previously proposed increasing these limits, it now appears that this measure will not be implemented in the short term. The move suggests a potential shift in priorities regarding healthcare reform.
Presidential election 2027: in Mayotte, Édouard Philippe raises the tone on immigration
Edouard Philippe, ex-premier ministre français et candidat de la liste Horizons, a visité un camp de demandeurs d'asile à Mayotte lors d'une tournée électorale visant à renforcer son positionnement sur la question de l'immigration. Pendant cette visite, il a exprimé son inquiétude face à la situation migratoire critique sur l'île, soulignant l'impact des migrants sur l'environnement local et la sécurité publique. Des policiers municipaux ont accompagné Philippe, qui a constaté les conditions difficiles des camps de fortune. La visite s'est tenue à proximité d'un site touché par la dégradation environnementale liée à l'installation de tentes improvisées. Les autorités locales ont également alerté Philippe sur la propagation du virus Ebola, soulignant l'urgence sanitaire liée à la présence de migrants.
Matthieu Pigasse, the influencer of the summer universities of the left
The article discusses Matthieu Pigasse, an influencer associated with the summer universities of the French left. These summer universities are educational programs organized by leftist political groups to engage young people in political discourse and activism. Pigasse has become a prominent figure within these initiatives, leveraging his social media presence to reach and influence younger audiences. The article highlights his role in shaping political engagement among youth through these platforms.
Sudan farms lie barren as El Nino leaves Nile banks dry
In Sudan, farmers along the Nile River face severe challenges due to prolonged drought conditions exacerbated by the El Niño climate phenomenon. The situation is compounded by ongoing conflicts, including the war between Sudanese military forces and paramilitary groups, and international tensions affecting fuel and fertilizer supplies. The El Niño pattern has caused delayed rainfall and significantly reduced water levels in the Nile, impacting agricultural productivity. Farmers report that essential water resources are unavailable both from the river and the sky, leading to widespread crop failures. Scientific research indicates that El Niño is linked to decreased Nile flows and increased drought risks in regions like southeastern Sudan and northwestern Ethiopia. Experts warn that these conditions will likely persist, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration among nations managing the Nile's resources.
Risk of rupture, perforation, non-compliance... French authorities warn of 300,000 defective condoms
French authorities have issued a warning regarding approximately 300,000 defective condoms that may pose health risks, including rupture, perforation, or non-compliance with safety standards. The alert highlights potential dangers associated with these products, urging consumers to avoid using them. The issue has raised concerns about product safety and regulatory oversight in France. No specific brands or manufacturers were named in the report, but the government is working to identify the affected items and ensure proper recall procedures are followed.
Between Angers and Nantes, the Loire River regains some of its naturalness to better withstand the vagaries of the climate
The article discusses efforts to restore the Loire River's natural state between Angers and Nantes, aiming to enhance its resilience against climate-related challenges. The focus is on ecological restoration projects designed to improve the river's ability to withstand environmental fluctuations. These initiatives highlight the growing concern over climate change impacts on water systems and the importance of sustainable management practices. The narrative emphasizes the river's reconnection to its natural environment as a strategy for long-term ecological stability.
"We will found the 'ecological state'": Jean-Luc Mélenchon promises that the country will be ready for next summer
In an interview on TF1's evening news program, French politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon announced his commitment to establishing an 'ecological state' and stated that France will be ready for the next summer. The statement comes amid growing concerns over climate change and environmental policies in France. Mélenchon, a prominent figure in the left-wing political landscape, emphasized the need for urgent action to address ecological challenges. His remarks reflect broader political discourse around sustainability and national responsibility in the face of global environmental issues.
Corsica: two lightly injured in a new fire in a paillote
Two men were lightly injured in an early morning fire that destroyed a beachside restaurant, Osteria, located at the Pinarello beach in Sorbo-Ocagnano, Haute-Corse. The incident occurred shortly before midnight and required the intervention of five fire trucks and 20 firefighters. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, though no conclusions have been reached yet. This follows similar incidents reported recently on the island, including the destruction of another bar in Ajaccio last week, which was set ablaze using two gasoline cans. In January, prosecutors emphasized that combating intentional fires is a priority in Corsica alongside tackling organized crime and extortion.
Burkina Faso: Appeal delays trial of Norbert Zongo murder accused
A new development has occurred in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the 1998 murder of Norbert Zongo, a prominent Burkinabe investigative journalist, along with three of his companions. Their bodies were discovered charred in their vehicle, and Zongo was known for his work with Burkina Faso's Independent newspaper. At the time of his death, he was investigating the suspicious death of a driver employed by the brother of former President Blaise Compaoré. The Attorney General announced that three individuals, including François Compaoré, would face trial for charges such as murder and complicity. However, an appeal filed by the defense of one of the accused has delayed the trial's commencement. The Attorney General emphasized efforts to resolve the case swiftly according to legal procedures. Zongo's assassination became emblematic of the repression under Compaoré's regime, which concluded in 2014 after widespread protests led to his resignation.