FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 1997
Ownership
Marianne is a French political weekly founded in 1997 by journalists Jean-François Kahn and Maurice Szafran. Since 2018 a roughly 91% controlling stake has been held by Czech Media Invest (CMI), the media arm of Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský (whose fortune comes from the EPH energy group); CMI acquired it as part of a portfolio bought from France's Lagardère. Křetínský is one of the largest foreign owners in the French media market.
Funding
Marianne is funded commercially through newsstand and subscription sales and advertising, with its owner CMI/Křetínský providing the controlling capital and financial backing.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially Marianne is a souverainiste, broadly centre-left-to-republican title with no formal party tie. However, because a controlling stake is held by a single foreign billionaire (Křetínský), who journalists have accused of interfering editorially, the outlet is better classed DEPENDENT (oligarch-controlled) rather than the site's current INDEPENDENT tag.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 212
75/100
Factual
63/100
Objective
266
Articles
266
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Lyhanna case: Gérald Darmanin announces an administrative inquiry into a substitute of the prosecutor of Auch
Marc Bloch at the Pantheon: Macron welcomes his commitment against the "spirit of defeat"
Sexual violence: the statute of limitations extended in the European Union, but non-prescriptibility eliminated
The deal with Iran would provide a $300 billion fund, Reuters says
Autonomy of Corsica: MEPs adopt the draft constitutional law at first reading
Lyhanna case: mistakes, negligence... how the responsibilities of the magistrates are judged
Colombia: Ruling left and pro-Trump right back to back in presidential runoff
Recent coverage
I felt that he had this breath in him: Philippe Aghion would see Sébastien Lecornu at the Élysée
During the Aix-en-Provence Economic Meetings, economist Philippe Aghion praised Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, suggesting he possesses the qualities of a president of the Republic. Aghion, a Nobel Prize winner and longtime supporter of Emmanuel Macron, highlighted Lecornu’s potential leadership and his vision for technological advancement and national unity. This endorsement comes amid speculation about Lecornu’s possible candidacy for the 2027 presidential election. Lecornu himself has distanced himself from such ambitions but remains a figure of interest within political circles. The article notes that Aghion’s support could influence Lecornu’s political strategy, especially as he faces challenges in maintaining his position and addressing ideological concerns.
Raffarin "special representative of the government for China": the Quai d'Orsay, a parking lot for the Elysée?
The article discusses the appointment of Jean-Yves Le Drian as France’s special representative for China, raising questions about the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Quai d'Orsay) in relation to the Elysee Palace, which represents the French presidency. The piece suggests that this appointment might reflect a shift in diplomatic strategy or influence within the French government. It highlights potential tensions between the executive branch and foreign policy institutions.
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.
GPA: France will have to recognise paternity rights acted upon by a foreign court
The French court has ruled that France must recognize parent-child relationships established by foreign tribunals, specifically regarding cases involving children born through assisted reproductive technologies. The decision relates to the recognition of genetic connections between parents and children, particularly in situations where legal procedures were conducted abroad. This ruling aligns with broader European efforts to harmonize family law across member states. The case highlights ongoing debates over the legal recognition of international family decisions and their implications for parental rights.
'Service worries': an inquiry into the discomfort of officials in the Far East responsible for enforcing standards
The article titled 'Enquiquineurs de service' investigates the well-being of civil servants in the Grand Est region who are responsible for enforcing regulations. It highlights concerns about their morale and working conditions, suggesting potential challenges in their ability to carry out duties effectively. The piece appears to focus on the stress and difficulties faced by these officials, possibly due to increased regulatory demands or administrative pressures. While the article does not provide specific data or quotes from officials, it raises questions about the impact of these factors on public administration. The tone suggests a critical view of the situation but stops short of taking a strong political stance.
A criterion like budget or employment : the heat wave could push one in three French to move
The article discusses the potential impact of heatwaves on housing decisions in France, suggesting that extreme temperatures could influence the decision of one-third of French people to move homes. It frames climate-related factors such as heat as being equally important as financial considerations like budget and employment when deciding where to live. The piece highlights growing concerns over the effects of climate change on living conditions and housing choices, emphasizing that environmental comfort is becoming a major factor in relocation decisions.
SpaceX in the Stock Market: Before you make fun of Elon Musk, remember the Wright brothers
The article titled 'SpaceX en Bourse: avant de vous moquer d’Elon Musk, souvenez-vous des frères Wright' by L'Express discusses the recent decision of SpaceX to go public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). The piece draws a parallel between Elon Musk’s current venture and the historical achievements of the Wright brothers, who pioneered powered flight. The article appears to frame Musk’s move into the stock market as a bold but controversial step, suggesting that critics should consider the Wright brothers' legacy before dismissing Musk's ambitions. It does not provide detailed financial figures or regulatory approvals, focusing more on the symbolic and historical context of the event.
Should water be a matter of state? The creation of a cross-party group overflows the vase
The article discusses growing tensions over water management in France, highlighting the formation of a cross-party group aimed at addressing the issue. The piece frames the debate as increasingly politicized, suggesting that water policy has become a contentious national issue. It notes that while the group seeks to unite different political factions, the underlying disagreements remain significant. The article emphasizes the complexity of balancing environmental concerns with economic and social needs, indicating that the situation is becoming more volatile.
"Macron bis", amateurism... why RN voters would still vote for Bardella despite his fragility
The article discusses why voters from the National Rally (RN) might still support Éric Zemmour despite his personal and professional weaknesses. It frames Zemmour as a potential 'Macron bis'—a copycat of President Emmanuel Macron—who lacks the competence and seriousness expected of a leader. The piece highlights concerns over Zemmour's amateurish approach and questions his ability to lead effectively, suggesting that his appeal among RN supporters may stem from his anti-establishment stance rather than his qualifications.
Acetamiprid: one year after the Duplomb law, the agricultural emergency law threatens to rekindle divisions
The article discusses the potential resurgence of divisions surrounding the pesticide acétamipride, one year after the implementation of the Duplomb law. The proposed emergency agricultural law aims to address concerns over the use of this pesticide but has sparked controversy among various stakeholders, including farmers, environmental groups, and regulatory authorities. The law's introduction could deepen existing tensions between different factions within the agricultural sector and highlight ongoing debates about balancing economic interests with environmental protection. The situation reflects broader challenges in French agriculture policy and the difficulty of reaching consensus on complex regulatory issues.
The Dieudonné-Francis Lalanne duo candidates, Israel in conflict with Ben & Jerry's: it is better to laugh
The article highlights two main topics: the candidacy of the French comedian Dieudonné and the French actor Francis Lalanne, and a conflict between Israel and the ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's. The headline suggests a tone of humor or irony, implying that laughter might be preferable in the face of these issues. The first part discusses the potential political candidacy of two well-known figures, which could signal a shift in France’s political landscape. The second part refers to a controversy involving Ben & Jerry's, likely related to their stance on Israeli policies, which has sparked public debate. The article appears to frame these stories with a light-hearted or critical perspective, possibly aligning with more progressive viewpoints.
Help to die, the law as it is drawn
The article discusses the evolving legal framework surrounding assisted dying in France, focusing on recent legislative developments and debates. It highlights the growing public and political interest in reforming end-of-life care laws, particularly in response to patient autonomy and quality-of-life concerns. The piece outlines potential changes to existing legislation, including expanded eligibility criteria and procedural safeguards. While the article presents various perspectives, it emphasizes the ethical and legal challenges associated with such reforms.
Attacks on Jews in Europe: an investigation into a 'ghost group' of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards
The article reports on attacks against Jews in Europe, focusing on an investigation into a 'phantom group' allegedly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards. It suggests that these groups may be operating under false identities to carry out targeted violence. The piece highlights concerns over rising anti-Semitic incidents and the potential involvement of foreign actors, though it does not provide specific evidence or names of individuals involved.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided