The Louvre is reeling after a brazen robbery saw priceless French crown jewels stolen in broad daylight. Eyes are now on security chief Dominique Buffin, slammed as a “diversity hire” who left France’s treasured artefacts dangerously exposed.
Feminisation Policy Takes the Blame
Buffin, appointed just last year by museum director Laurence Des Cars, is accused of landing her job as part of a controversial “feminisation policy” rather than on merit. Critics say this reckless political move put the nation’s priceless heritage at risk.
National Rally MEP Marion Maréchal didn’t hold back, telling X:
“This humiliation cannot go unanswered: Rachida Dati must demand the immediate resignation of Laurence Des Cars and Dominique Buffin. Le Monde was delighted with this appointment as part of a feminisation policy – clearly at the cost of competence and endangering our cultural heritage.”
How Crooks Hauled Off Crown Jewels Using a Crane
Security experts are stunned by the thieves’ audacity. They parked a crane truck in central Paris, smashed through an upper-floor window, and made off with eight priceless royal jewels, including tiaras and earrings worn by 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez called the jewels “priceless,” while Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin admitted bluntly, “What is certain is that we failed.” The brazen daylight robbery right in the capital sent shockwaves through France.
Political Fallout: “Intolerable Humiliation” for France
National Rally leader Jordan Bardella labelled the theft an “intolerable humiliation,” accusing the government of a shocking security lapse. “The Louvre is a global icon – this heist shows just how far state decay has gone,” he said.
The scandal has ignited fierce debate over whether diversity policies are compromising security. Supporters defend Buffin, but critics warn putting diversity ahead of experience in vital security roles is a deadly gamble.
Emergency Security Overhaul Kicked Off
French ministers have ordered urgent security checks at cultural landmarks nationwide. Culture Minister Rachida Dati promised fast-tracked improvements, admitting previous efforts focused more on visitor safety than protecting precious artefacts.
Famous art investigator Arthur Brand called it “the theft of the decade,” warning the success of the Louvre raid could inspire copycat crimes worldwide.
Manhunt Intensifies for Masked Thieves
Police are searching for four masked suspects behind the heist. Their use of a crane and precise targeting hints at inside knowledge. Experts warn recovery will be tough – the unique jewels are almost impossible to sell without detection.
Louvre Heist Sends Shockwaves Across the Globe
With nearly 9 million visitors a year, the Louvre is the world’s top museum. This stunning theft not only tarnishes France’s global image but raises urgent questions about security at iconic cultural institutions worldwide.
The government now faces fierce backlash as debates rage over progressive hiring versus the cold realities of safeguarding priceless history.
