FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 2008
Ownership
Mediapart is an independent investigative online newspaper created in 2008 by Edwy Plenel, former editor-in-chief of Le Monde, with co-founders including François Bonnet. In 2019, to lock in independence and block any takeover, the publishing company's capital was transferred to Le Fonds pour une Presse Libre (Fund for a Free Press), a non-profit endowment, via a structure that makes the shares non-transferable and non-purchasable, effectively removing conventional shareholders.
Funding
Mediapart takes no advertising and is funded almost entirely by paid digital subscriptions, surpassing 245,000 subscribers by early 2025, which keeps it commercially profitable and self-financed.
Affiliation & stance
Editorially Mediapart is a left-leaning investigative outlet but is owned by a non-profit press-freedom fund with no party, state or oligarch control, and its subscriber-only model gives it financial autonomy. It is therefore clearly INDEPENDENT, matching the site's tag.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 593
69/100
Factual
64/100
Objective
621
Articles
621
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
Blockade of secondary schools: the key role of the USL, the union sponsored by LFI
The article discusses the growing student protests in French high schools and highlights the role of USL, a youth union supported by La France Insoumise (LFI). The protests began at the Saint-Exupéry High School in Créteil in early September and have since spread across the country. LFI deputies Clémence Guetté and Louis Boyard were among the first to support the movement, leading critics to accuse them of orchestrating the unrest. The relationship between LFI and USL goes beyond demonstrations, with several USL leaders having worked closely with LFI politicians in recent years. Notable examples include Gwenn Thomas-Alves, who became a parliamentary assistant to Louis Boyard, and Ivan Dementhon, who previously worked with LFI deputy Marie Mesmeur. Additionally, some USL members ran on lists led by LFI candidates during local elections. While there is ideological alignment between the students' demands and LFI’s platform, USL representatives deny that LFI is controlling the protests.
48 48 hours of hell 48: traumatized high school students released from police custody
The article reports on the traumatic experience of several high school students who were detained during a protest and spent 48 hours in police custody. The students reportedly emerged from interrogation with psychological distress, raising concerns about the treatment they received while in custody. The piece highlights the emotional impact on young people involved in demonstrations and questions the conditions under which they were held.
Early elections in Spain: why the Sanchez government has reached an impasse
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has called for early legislative elections scheduled for November 19 after facing significant political and social challenges. The decision came following the rejection of several key housing-related decrees by Parliament on October 2, which highlighted deepening political paralysis. Sánchez acknowledged governance failures and sought renewed public support. His administration has been reliant on a fragile coalition including radical leftist parties and Catalan independence groups, particularly those supporting controversial amnesty laws. This coalition has struggled to pass legislation, leading to a lack of budget approval since 2023. Recent scandals involving corruption allegations against his party members and criticism over handling the migrant crisis at Ceuta further weakened his position. Early elections risk exacerbating instability, with polls suggesting a decline in support for left-wing parties and potential gains for the right.
It hurts to see your child in that state : Eden, 14, hit in the face by a grenade launcher
A 14-year-old student named Eden was seriously injured when a police officer fired a grenade launcher directly at his face in front of his high school in the Val-d'Oise department. The incident occurred on September 28, and Eden's parents have filed a complaint for attempted murder. They spoke to Mediapart about the event. In a video that went viral on social media, Eden is seen collapsing and convulsing after being struck by the grenade, with other students trying to assist him.
Spain: the electoral gamble of one of Europe's last left-wing heads of government
The article discusses the electoral gamble of one of the last leftist government leaders in Europe, focusing on Spain. It examines the challenges faced by the Spanish government under a leftist administration, highlighting the political risks and potential outcomes of their policies. The piece analyzes the broader implications for European politics, particularly in maintaining leftist influence amid shifting political landscapes. While the article provides context on the current political climate in Spain, it does not offer balanced perspectives or alternative viewpoints.
The case of anti-Semitic writings: with the RN counter-budget, the Le Pen-Bardella tandem wants to regain control
The article discusses the controversy surrounding Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella of the National Rally (RN) party, focusing on recent allegations of antisemitic remarks made by Bardella in 2013. Following new claims by Mediapart, which alleges that Bardella made such comments during private conversations, the party’s leadership has responded by reaffirming their confidence in Bardella. The article notes that Le Pen has positioned Bardella as her potential prime minister if she wins the 2027 presidential election. As part of efforts to refocus attention on economic policies, the RN plans to present its counter-budget proposal at a parliamentary session, alongside Jean-Philippe Tanguy, an expert in budgetary matters. The piece highlights the party’s strategy to shift focus back to core policy debates.
CNews is the champion of climate misinformation.
The article by Mediapart criticizes CNews for being the leading source of 'climate misinformation' in France. It highlights how CNews has promoted scientifically inaccurate narratives regarding climate change, often aligning with conservative viewpoints that downplay the urgency of environmental issues. The piece argues that such content contributes to public confusion and undermines efforts to address climate challenges effectively. Mediapart presents evidence of specific claims made by CNews that contradict established scientific consensus, suggesting these misrepresentations are deliberate rather than accidental. The article calls for greater scrutiny of media outlets that spread misleading information on critical topics like climate science.
Tim Cook, senior executive of Apple, on a visit to Strasbourg on Tuesday
The article reports that Tim Cook, a senior executive at Apple, visited Strasbourg on Tuesday. The piece highlights his presence in the city but does not provide further details about the purpose of his visit, any meetings held, or specific discussions undertaken during his time there. As a brief update, the article serves as a notice rather than an in-depth analysis or commentary. No additional context or background information is provided regarding Apple’s activities or strategic interests in Strasbourg.
Kyiv looks more and more like a frontline city, but its determination remains intact
The article discusses the increasing resemblance of Kyiv to a city on the front lines of conflict, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the city despite its unwavering determination. It emphasizes the resilience of Kyiv's residents and infrastructure amid the escalating tensions and potential threats. The piece reflects on the transformation of Kyiv into a more militarized environment while noting the continued resolve of its people.
The incidence of breast cancer in France is among the highest in the world
The article states that the incidence rate of breast cancer in France is among the highest in the world. It highlights the significant prevalence of this disease within the country, suggesting that France faces a notable challenge in terms of breast cancer cases compared to other nations. The piece does not provide specific data or comparative figures but emphasizes the high level of occurrence. This information could prompt further discussion on healthcare policies, prevention strategies, and research efforts related to breast cancer in France.
In the Ministry of Ecological Transition, a reorganization that does not pass
The article discusses internal challenges at France's Ministry of Ecological Transition regarding a recent reorganization effort that has faced resistance. It highlights difficulties in implementing changes, potential bureaucratic hurdles, and concerns over the effectiveness of the ministry's restructuring. The piece focuses on the administrative and operational issues rather than taking a clear political stance on environmental policies. No specific official sources are cited, and the article does not provide detailed outcomes or resolutions.
Presidential election in Brazil: Lula in bad posture against son Bolsonaro
The article discusses the Brazilian presidential election, focusing on Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's challenging position against Jair Bolsonaro's son, Flávio Bolsonaro. It highlights the political tensions between Lula and the Bolsonaro family, particularly regarding corruption allegations and public perception. The piece emphasizes the impact of recent scandals on Lula's campaign and the growing influence of Flávio Bolsonaro in the political landscape. While the article presents information about the candidates and their respective challenges, it does not provide balanced perspectives or contextualize the broader implications of the election.
Foreign interference: the sulphurous Israeli provider of France Télévisions
The article investigates the involvement of an Israeli firm in providing services to France Télévisions, raising concerns about foreign influence in French media. It highlights the potential implications of this relationship, particularly in light of ongoing debates over media independence and national security. The piece delves into the background of the Israeli company and its connections to entities linked to the Israeli government. It questions whether this partnership could compromise the neutrality of France Télévisions and potentially expose the network to external pressures. The article calls for greater transparency regarding such collaborations.