In an interview, Ariel Weil, the Mayor of central Paris, expressed his belief that the security system at the Louvre museum failed during the recent crown jewel heist. This contradicts the statement made by French culture minister, Rachida Dati, who defended the museum’s security effectiveness.
Following the theft of the priceless French crown jewels by thieves who swiftly broke into the museum, national criticism regarding the museum’s security measures ensued. Dati oscillated between attributing the incident to mismanagement by the museum leadership and emphasizing the security system’s functionality.
Weil questioned the swift nature of the theft, which took only seven minutes for the thieves to break into the Apollo gallery window and steal goods valued at $143 million Cdn. He highlighted his concerns in an interview with “As It Happens,” expressing a desire for the city of Paris to have a more active role in the Louvre’s security plans moving forward.
When asked about the progress in understanding the security breach, Weil mentioned that details were still puzzling, particularly regarding the ease and speed at which the theft occurred. He expressed surprise at the lack of security measures in place at the museum.
Although not directly responsible for the Louvre, Weil acknowledged a shared responsibility for the museum’s security. He mentioned past efforts to collaborate with the museum on renovations, including enhancing public spaces and potentially increasing security investments in the future.
Weil discussed the unique position of the Louvre as a national museum not under city jurisdiction, emphasizing the need for closer collaboration between the city and the museum. He cited a major plan announced by President Macron that would overhaul the museum’s accessibility and security measures.
Regarding accountability for the security breach, Weil suggested that the Ministry of Interior or Justice should address the failures that led to the theft. He emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation to determine what went wrong.
In terms of recovering the stolen items and apprehending the culprits, Weil pointed to official communications for updates. He noted the professionalism of the thieves involved and highlighted the ongoing investigation to identify those responsible.
Reflecting on the historical and cultural significance of the stolen pieces, Weil described the loss as a disaster, emphasizing that the irreplaceable nature of the artifacts transcends their monetary value. He expressed sorrow over the loss of these unique pieces of history.