Paris Mayor Ariel Weil has 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. Following the theft of the priceless French crown jewels by thieves who broke into the museum, criticism of the museum’s security measures spread nationwide.
Dati, in response to the incident, oscillated between blaming mismanagement by the museum’s leadership and emphasizing the effectiveness of the security system. Weil, however, questions this stance given the speed of the theft, which took only seven minutes for the thieves to break into the Apollo gallery and steal goods valued at $143 million Canadian dollars.
In an interview with “As It Happens,” Weil shared his concerns and stressed the need 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 the ongoing investigations and expressed surprise at the ease and speed with which the theft occurred.
Despite not directly managing the Louvre, Weil acknowledged a shared responsibility for the museum’s security as the mayor of the area where it is situated. He highlighted efforts to enhance security measures at the museum and improve collaboration between the city, the state, and the Louvre.
Weil emphasized the need for closer ties between the city and the Louvre, noting that the museum operates independently of municipal authority. He cited a significant investment plan announced by French President Emmanuel Macron to enhance security and visitor access at the museum.
Regarding the statement by the French culture minister that the security system did not fail, Weil pointed out the need for accountability and emphasized that something must have gone wrong for such a high-value theft to occur swiftly.
Weil also shared insights on the professionalism of the thieves involved in the heist, as indicated by the prosecutor’s assessment of the incident. He expressed dismay at the potential fate of the stolen treasures, emphasizing their irreplaceable historical value beyond monetary worth.