The charges come as investigators continue to uncover details surrounding the meticulously planned heist, which targeted treasures from the museum’s famed Galerie d’Apollon.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were placed under formal investigation on Saturday.

The man, who is known to police for previous theft-related offenses, faces charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy. The woman was charged with complicity in organized theft and conspiracy.

Both individuals have denied involvement in the robbery and remain in pre-trial detention as inquiries continue.

The announcement brings the total number of people formally charged in the case to four. Three others who had been detained earlier in the week were released without charge after questioning.

The ongoing investigation reflects the seriousness with which French authorities are treating the case, given both the monetary value of the stolen jewels—estimated at around $102 million—and the symbolic importance of the Louvre as a global cultural landmark.

While details about the identities of the two new suspects remain limited, local media reported that the woman is from La Courneuve, a suburb located north of Paris.

The prosecutor’s office declined to release further information to protect the integrity of the investigation. Officials emphasized that cooperation between different branches of law enforcement has been crucial in tracing the suspects and piecing together the events leading up to the heist.

The first two suspects charged in the case were arrested earlier in October. One, a 34-year-old Algerian national living in France since 2010, was detained by police at the airport as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria.

The second, a 39-year-old man already under judicial supervision for aggravated theft, resides in Aubervilliers, a neighborhood in northern Paris. Both individuals have reportedly made partial admissions regarding their involvement in the crime.

Investigators believe the heist was carried out by a small, highly organized group that used a mover’s lift to access the second-floor gallery, where they smashed display cases with power tools before fleeing on scooters driven by accomplices.

The theft was executed with precision, suggesting prior knowledge of the museum’s layout and security systems. Despite the swift arrests, none of the stolen jewels have yet been recovered, and the search for the missing treasures continues.

The Louvre Museum, one of the world’s most visited cultural institutions, has remained open to the public since the incident. Museum officials have assured visitors that security protocols are being thoroughly reviewed and strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.

French authorities have also noted that the museum’s cooperation has been instrumental in the investigation, providing surveillance footage and technical information that helped trace the suspects’ movements.

Experts in art security have pointed out that high-value museum heists often involve extensive planning and international networks.

They have expressed confidence in the French police’s ability to eventually locate the stolen items, as such rare pieces are extremely difficult to sell on the open market without attracting attention.

The investigation continues under the supervision of specialized judges, with international cooperation being considered in case the stolen jewels are moved across borders.

Authorities have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious offers related to rare art or jewelry that may be connected to the case.

While the theft has raised concerns about museum security worldwide, it has also sparked renewed discussions about protecting cultural heritage and ensuring that global treasures remain accessible and safe.

The case continues to capture public attention, symbolizing both the vulnerability and enduring importance of the world’s great museums.

The move comes as Macron works toward a self-imposed 48-hour deadline to make the appointment — a step that many observers see as an opportunity to reset France’s political direction and strengthen national confidence.

Despite recent political turbulence, the president’s decision to engage multiple political voices demonstrates a pragmatic approach aimed at fostering cooperation across France’s diverse political landscape.

By seeking a leader who can appeal to both the center-right and center-left, Macron is emphasizing inclusivity and consensus — qualities that could help bridge divisions in the country’s fragmented parliament.

Inclusive Political Dialogue and Renewed Leadership

According to the Élysée Palace, Macron’s consultations are designed to ensure that the new government reflects a broad spectrum of opinions and priorities, focusing on stability and forward-looking economic management.

The president’s search for his sixth prime minister in under two years underscores his commitment to adaptability and reform in a constantly evolving political environment.

Among the names circulating in French political circles are veteran centrist Jean-Louis Borloo, respected public auditor Pierre Moscovici, and Sebastien Lecornu, who recently stepped down as prime minister. Although Lecornu has indicated that he will not seek a return to office, his prior leadership experience remains a reference point for ongoing discussions.

Green Party chief Marine Tondelier, reflecting the lively political debate, commented light-heartedly on the speculation surrounding the candidates. Such openness in political dialogue is being viewed by analysts as a healthy sign of France’s democratic vibrancy.

The meeting, scheduled for 12:30 GMT, is expected to set the tone for a more collaborative phase in French politics. Macron’s inclusive approach aims to reassure both domestic and international audiences that France remains stable, forward-looking, and determined to overcome short-term uncertainty.

Economic Confidence and Stability in Focus

France’s economic fundamentals remain strong, even as political discussions continue. The governor of the Bank of France, François Villeroy de Galhau, acknowledged that uncertainty had a modest effect on growth projections but emphasized that “the economy is broadly fine.” His statement reflects confidence in France’s resilience and the sound structure of its economic institutions.

While Villeroy noted that political uncertainty could temporarily reduce growth by around 0.2 percentage points, he stressed that effective governance and a clear fiscal path forward could quickly restore momentum. His call for keeping the budget deficit within manageable levels — ideally not exceeding 4.8% of GDP by 2026 — highlights a shared national goal of fiscal responsibility.

The government remains focused on economic prudence, seeking to balance fiscal discipline with continued investment in public services and innovation. France’s efforts to rein in its deficit, currently projected at 5.4% of GDP, demonstrate a strong commitment to meeting European standards while protecting social and economic priorities.

A Path Toward Consensus and Growth

Observers believe that Macron’s outreach to various political parties could lay the groundwork for renewed trust and stability. Rather than being seen as a period of crisis, this moment represents a turning point for France — an opportunity to modernize political cooperation and strengthen democratic consensus.

International markets have also responded with cautious optimism. While credit rating agencies continue to monitor fiscal developments, France’s diversified economy, strong financial institutions, and long-term reform agenda provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

President Macron’s ability to steer through political challenges has often been one of his defining strengths. By prioritizing open dialogue, fiscal responsibility, and unity, the French government appears ready to navigate the coming months with renewed purpose.

As France awaits the announcement of its next prime minister, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism rather than tension. The coming leadership decision is expected to mark the start of a new phase — one that focuses on cooperation, stability, and the shared goal of strengthening France’s economy and democracy.

Paris’ last newspaper hawker keeps the spirit of the Latin Quarter alive, blending tradition, humor, and community in the heart of the city.

In the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter, a slim, round-spectacled man zigzags between cafés and bustling streets, newspapers under his arm, bringing laughter and curiosity to everyone he meets. Ali Akbar, 73, has earned a reputation as the last newspaper hawker in the French capital, a living link to the city’s vibrant cultural past.

Every afternoon, Akbar invents humorous headlines to sell his newspapers, turning ordinary street corners into moments of joy. “France is getting better!” he cries. “(Eric) Zemmour has converted to Islam!” he shouts, drawing smiles from passersby who stop to engage with his playful banter.

Ali Akbar’s story is one of courage and perseverance. Born in Pakistan, he arrived in France at the age of 20, seeking to escape poverty and provide for his family back home. He worked as a sailor and a dishwasher before finding his calling as a newspaper hawker in Paris. Through hardships, including homelessness and moments of danger, Akbar has never given up.

His journey into Parisian streets began in the 1970s, when he first started selling newspapers in the university neighborhoods along the Left Bank. It was here, in front of prestigious institutions like Sciences Po, that he learned French, interacted with students, and connected with future French leaders, including former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

It was also here that Akbar met Georges Bernier, the famed humorist known as Professeur Choron, who introduced him to the satirical publications Hara-Kiri and Charlie Hebdo. The chance encounter set him on a path that would make him a beloved cultural icon.

“I want people to live happily. I do it to create a good mood, that’s all,” Akbar explains, encapsulating the essence of his work. His invention of playful, sensational headlines in the 1980s made him stand out among Paris’ street vendors. While the city once hosted around 40 newspaper hawkers, Akbar chose to walk, embracing the freedom of the Latin Quarter and making himself a fixture of the area.

Akbar’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to make him a knight in the National Order of Merit, recognizing his decades of service and contribution to the cultural life of Paris. “At first I didn’t believe it,” Akbar said with a smile. “I think it’s related to my courage because I’ve worked hard all my life.”

Despite the decline in physical newspaper sales, Akbar continues his routine, working daily from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m., selling copies of Le Monde and sharing laughter with locals and tourists alike. On average, he now sells around 30 newspapers a day, a significant drop from the 150–200 he sold when he started. Yet, his spirit remains unshaken. “As long as I’ve got the energy, I’ll keep going. I’ll work until I die,” he jokes.

For many, Ali Akbar is more than a newspaper hawker. He is a symbol of resilience and human connection in a digital age. Café owners, tourists, and Parisians alike stop to greet him, inspired by his energy and warmth. Amel Ghali, a regular at one of the terraces, said, “It’s good to see it in the digital age. Unfortunately, our children won’t experience the pleasure of reading a newspaper with a coffee. Ali Akbar keeps that tradition alive.”

His legacy is a testament to the enduring charm of Paris’ streets, where culture, humor, and human spirit converge. Even after decades of challenges, Ali Akbar remains a reminder that dedication and joy can create a life of lasting impact, bringing smiles to those who stop and listen to his imaginative headlines.

Ali Akbar, the last newspaper hawker in Paris, continues to embody a rare blend of perseverance, charm, and optimism. His story transcends borders, offering an inspiring glimpse of how one individual can enrich an entire city through simple acts of dedication and humor.