The recent jewelry heist at Paris’s Louvre Museum has cast a shadow over France, with Justice Minister Gerard Darmanin describing the nation’s image as “deplorable.” Opposition figures have swiftly condemned the government, branding the incident a national humiliation.
In a stunning act of audacity on Sunday, thieves breached the Louvre – one of the world’s most renowned museums. They reportedly used a crane to smash an upper-floor window, gaining access to an area containing priceless French crown jewels before making their escape on motorbikes.
This dramatic theft, quickly dubbed the “heist of the century” by numerous news outlets, captured international attention.
Justice Minister Darmanin openly admitted, “What is certain is that we failed,” during an interview with France Inter radio. He emphasized that the heist projects a “negative” and “deplorable” image of France, adding, “The French people all feel like they’ve been robbed.”
Urgent Security Review Underway
The audacious break-in has triggered difficult questions regarding security protocols at the museum. The Louvre, renowned globally as the home of masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and a magnet for 8.7 million visitors in 2024, remained closed to the public the day after the incident.
According to the Paris prosecutor, the swift robbery unfolded in just six to seven minutes, executed by four individuals. Though unarmed, they intimidated guards with angle grinders. Minister Darmanin expressed confidence that the culprits, currently at large, would be apprehended, yet his assurances did little to calm the widespread public anger.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally party, declared the heist “an unbearable humiliation for our country,” questioning the extent of “the disintegration of the state.” Meanwhile, Francois-Xavier Bellamy of the conservative Republicans party labeled it “a symptom of a country that cannot protect its heritage.”
Among the stolen items were a tiara and an earring from the exquisite early 19th-century jewelry sets belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, specifically from their sapphire collection.
Remarkably, the opulent Crown of Empress Eugenie, crafted from gold, emeralds, and diamonds, was later discovered outside the museum, apparently dropped by the thieves during their escape.
In response to the crisis, officials announced that the Culture and Interior Ministries convened an emergency meeting to address the Louvre’s security vulnerabilities.
The museum, which was slated to reopen, instead announced its continued closure. A statement confirmed, “Due to exceptional circumstances, the Louvre Museum will remain closed today. Visitors who had booked a tour for today will be refunded.”