Louvre chief Laurence des Cars resigns following a $100 million jewel theft and a series of crises, citing the need for a “new strong impetus” at the iconic museum.
PARIS: The president of the Louvre museum, Laurence des Cars, has resigned following a series of scandals including a major jewel heist.
Her resignation was accepted by President Emmanuel Macron, with the Elysee Palace hailing “an act of responsibility” for the institution.
The world’s largest museum requires “a period of calm and a new strong impetus to carry out major security projects,” the presidential office stated.
Des Cars had been under mounting pressure since the brazen October robbery where $100 million worth of French crown jewels were stolen in broad daylight.
Eight priceless items remain missing, with four suspects including the two alleged thieves still in police custody.
An ongoing parliamentary inquiry has pointed to “systemic failures” that enabled the break-in after 70 hearings.
Des Cars initially offered her resignation shortly after the October 19 theft, but Macron refused it at the time.
In a December interview, she conceded that “structural weaknesses remained” in the museum’s security.
A damning November report from France’s Court of Auditors accused the Louvre of prioritising “visible and attractive operations” over security investment.
The report cited a 2017 audit that warned a security breach could have “dramatic” consequences.
“Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we have been defeated,” Des Cars told senators in late October.
The jewel theft is not the only crisis to have rocked the museum under her leadership.
The Louvre has also been embroiled in a ticket fraud scandal and suffered a water leak in a wing housing the Mona Lisa this month.
Since mid-December, staff have been engaged in the longest labour dispute in the museum’s history over working conditions.
These strikes have forced several temporary closures, highlighting strained relations between unions and management.
Last weekend, British activists hung a picture of the UK’s former Prince Andrew in the museum, adding to the controversies.
Macron thanked Des Cars for her “action and commitment” and her “undeniable scientific expertise”.
The French culture ministry has ordered an internal audit, while senators continue their own hearings into the heist.
The complete findings of the parliamentary inquiry are due to be released in May.
The Sun Malaysia
