Louvre Director Resigns After Major Jewel Heist

The director of the Louvre Museum in Paris, Laurence des Cars, has resigned following a major jewel heist in October. French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced on Tuesday that he accepted her resignation, characterizing it as an "act of responsibility" during a period requiring "calm and a strong new impetus" for security upgrades and modernization at the museum.

Macron's office characterized the resignation as an "act of responsibility" during a period requiring "calm and a strong new impetus" for security upgrades and modernization at the museum.

The October heist involved thieves stealing 88 million euros ($102 million) worth of French Crown jewels in less than eight minutes.

Des Cars' Initial Resignation Offer

Des Cars, who was appointed director in 2021, had initially offered her resignation on the day of the robbery, but it was declined by the culture minister at that time. She stated in November that her offer stemmed from experiencing "a tragic, brutal, violent reality for the Louvre" and her role as the person in charge.

Future Role for Des Cars

President Macron expressed gratitude for des Cars' "work and commitment" and intends to assign her a new role focusing on cooperation among major museums. It was not specified whether she accepted this new mission.