The Louvre Heist:

Security forces stand guard outside the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, October 22, 2025. Photo: THX/TTXVN

During the two-hour hearing, Ms. Des Cars admitted there had been “failures” in the museum’s security system, but insisted that “no one was at fault” and that the incident “was not inevitable.” She said that although she had submitted her resignation to the culture minister on October 19, she did not shirk her responsibility. She affirmed that security had always been a top priority since taking up the position in 2021, but the museum was facing a new type of organized crime that they had never been trained to deal with.

Before senators, the head of the Louvre was asked a series of questions about security procedures, a series of failures and the spending of funds. However, Ms. Des Cars stressed that the alarm system at the Apollo Gallery was “working perfectly” at the time of the theft and that “the responsibility for monitoring the parking area below rests with the Paris police.”

Explaining the delay in improving security, the Louvre Director said that a comprehensive upgrade plan will be announced in early 2026, due to strict regulations of the Public Procurement Code. The project includes the installation of additional cameras and a cable system of more than 60 kilometers through the walls and floors of the 244,000 square meter historic building. She also suggested that the Ministry of Interior consider the possibility of setting up a police station on the museum grounds to meet the new security challenge.

Meanwhile, Ms. Des Cars defended the “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” renovation project, an initiative spearheaded by President Emmanuel Macron, which some lawmakers have criticized as costly and a diversion of conservation resources. She said the project was an opportunity to strengthen the heritage and would allocate 80 million euros ($92.7 million) specifically for security, including the installation of a surveillance system for the entire museum façade.

Amid the tense atmosphere of the hearing, a rare ray of hope was mentioned: Empress Eugénie's tiara, one of the stolen artifacts, was found after the thieves dropped it during their escape. However, according to Ms. Des Cars, the artifact was seriously damaged, possibly due to the removal of the display case.

Meanwhile, the stolen jewelry includes an emerald necklace and earrings, two tiaras, two brooches, a sapphire necklace and a single earring. All represent the pinnacle of 19th-century jewelry art. They are not just jewelry but also extremely important to French culture.

Although it is not clear who is ultimately responsible, observers say the hearing for Director Des Cars shows the great pressure that the Louvre Museum - a cultural symbol of France, is facing in restoring public trust and strengthening the national heritage protection system./.

VNA

Source: https://nhandan.vn/vu-trom-tai-bao-tang-louvre-post917405.html