FranceOwnership & classification
Founded: 2002
Ownership
The French edition of 20 Minutes was launched in Paris on 15 March 2002. It is held in equal halves by two private press groups: the SIPA / Ouest-France group (publisher of France's largest paid daily, Ouest-France, ultimately controlled by the non-profit Association pour le soutien des principes de la democratie humaniste) and Groupe Rossel, the leading French-language press group in Belgium. There is no state or party owner.
Funding
A free commuter daily and news website financed essentially entirely by advertising (print and digital), with no cover price and no state or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
20 Minutes positions itself as a politically neutral, general-interest free newspaper with a centrist line. Because it is privately owned by two commercial/association-backed press groups with no party or government control, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 251
81/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
421
Articles
421
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
Parachuting baptism, plane crash "suddenly" ... What we know about the plane crash that killed 11 near Nancy
Sexual violence: the statute of limitations extended in the European Union, but non-prescriptibility eliminated
SpaceX IPO: The stock market likes to value the dream until the day it prefers the concrete
Recent coverage
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.
Morocco, Brazil and Paraguay advance to Round of 16
The Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup featured several dramatic moments, with Morocco, Brazil, and Paraguay advancing to the Round of 16. Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a thrilling penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw, with Ismael Saibari scoring the decisive spot-kick. This marked the Netherlands' earliest exit from the World Cup. Meanwhile, Brazil secured its progression with a win against Japan. In another unexpected result, Paraguay stunned Germany in a penalty shootout, winning 4-3. This was a significant upset, especially for Germany, who have struggled in recent tournaments. Paraguay's victory was celebrated widely in their home country, highlighting their underdog status compared to Germany's reputation as a football powerhouse.
Workers discover 75 bombs from the Second World War in Normandy
Workers in Normandy discovered 75 World War II bombs during their activities. The discovery highlights ongoing risks associated with unexploded ordnance from the war. Local authorities were alerted, and the area was evacuated as a precaution. Experts are working to safely remove the explosives. This incident underscores the persistent dangers posed by historical munitions in the region.
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.
Drowning: It's traumatic even when it ends well : advice from an emergency doctor
The article features a quote from a French emergency physician discussing the trauma associated with drowning incidents, even when they result in survival. The physician emphasizes the emotional impact on patients and their families, highlighting the psychological aftermath of such experiences. The piece aims to raise awareness about the mental health implications of water-related accidents. It does not provide specific statistics or detailed case studies but focuses on the personal accounts and professional insights of medical professionals. The tone is informative and empathetic, aiming to educate readers about the broader effects of drowning beyond physical injury.
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.
An entertainer suspended on suspicion of sexual violence near Nantes
A TV presenter has been suspended over allegations of sexual violence near Nantes. The incident reportedly occurred during a live broadcast, leading to immediate calls for an investigation. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the claims, which involve serious accusations against the presenter. The suspension comes amid growing public concern about workplace safety and accountability in the entertainment industry. No formal charges have been filed yet, but the situation has sparked widespread debate about the handling of such allegations.
Marseille: Three buildings on Rue d'Aubagne evacuated after cracks were found
In Marseille, three buildings on Rue d'Aubagne were evacuated after cracks were discovered. The situation prompted emergency measures to ensure safety. Authorities conducted inspections and ordered evacuations as a precautionary measure. Residents were temporarily relocated while experts assessed the structural integrity of the buildings. No immediate injuries were reported, but the incident has raised concerns about building safety in the area.
Incendie dans le Var : 30 hectares brûlés et 2200 personnes évacuées à Fréjus
An extensive wildfire broke out in the Var department near Frejus, France, on Wednesday afternoon, fueled by strong winds. The fire spread across approximately 30 hectares and led to the evacuation of around 2200 people from nearby campsites and residential areas. Firefighters deployed significant resources, including over 180 firefighters, 73 vehicles, three water-bombing helicopters, and two large-capacity tanker trucks from neighboring regions. Authorities emphasized the need for caution due to the proximity of homes and infrastructure. Local officials, including the mayor of Frejus, were actively involved in coordinating emergency response efforts. The region has been placed under high risk for wildfires, with four of nine mountain ranges classified at red alert.
Unsuccessful excavations in Brittany 20 years after the disappearance of a woman
The article reports on unsuccessful excavations in Brittany twenty years after the disappearance of a woman. The search efforts did not yield any results, highlighting the ongoing mystery surrounding her case. The lack of findings underscores the challenges faced by investigators in such long-standing missing persons cases. While the article focuses on the outcome of the excavation, it does not provide further details about the circumstances of the woman’s disappearance or the methods used during the search.
Canicule: an interministerial crisis unit after the government's 'inaction'
France has experienced a historic heatwave, resulting in over 1,300 deaths across Europe according to the World Health Organization. In France alone, Public Health France reported approximately 1,000 additional deaths compared to previous months. The government convened an inter-ministerial crisis cell to assess the impact of the heatwave, including health, social, and economic effects such as agriculture. The Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, emphasized the need to evaluate the response and prepare for potential future heatwaves. Despite the government's claims of preparedness, criticism has grown regarding its handling of the situation, with accusations of incompetence and inaction. While the heatwave alert was lifted in parts of Île-de-France and eastern departments, several southern regions remain under orange-level alerts.
A man dies after setting himself on fire outside the UN in New York
An individual died after setting himself on fire in front of the United Nations in New York. The incident occurred during a protest, highlighting tensions related to global issues such as human rights and social justice. The act was seen by some as a form of protest against systemic inequalities and oppression. Authorities responded swiftly, ensuring the area was secured and providing medical assistance. The event has sparked discussions about the role of international organizations in addressing such grievances.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided