Alexandre Portier, deputy LR of Rhône and president of the inquiry commission, judged the resignation of the former president of the Louvre as “both wise and responsible.” He calls for “restoring stability.”
“I will respond to this request from the commission as I always have,” Laurence des Cars declared to Le Figaro on Tuesday when announcing her resignation from the Louvre. This afternoon, the now former president of the Parisian museum was supposed to be auditioned by the Cultural Affairs Committee of the National Assembly. The LR deputy of Rhône, Alexandre Portier, was supposed to question her about museum security, especially the theft of crown jewels from the Louvre four months ago. However, Laurence des Cars’ audition was ultimately canceled and will be rescheduled,” announced Alexandre Portier, who chairs the inquiry commission.
The deputy also praised the departure of the former Louvre president, calling it “both wise and responsible.” “This withdrawal must now allow us to move on, start over, restore stability and serenity,” added the parliamentarian. According to him, Laurence des Cars’ departure will not solve all the problems of the Parisian museum, as “it is not a question of a person,” but “a problem of systemic failure.”
Alexandre Portier specified that the commission on museum security will make “recommendations to deeply change the governance of the institution.” “We need to rethink our priorities a bit,” continued the Republican Right’s elected official. “We have focused a lot on the festive, the events, that is not the primary mission of a museum. The primary mission is to protect the works of art we have inherited.” On Tuesday, in the columns of Le Figaro, Laurence des Cars expressed reservations about the usefulness of this inquiry commission, which she considers a “duty of transparency,” but which “probably does not provide all the necessary serenity.”
Questions also arise today about the successor to Laurence des Cars at the helm of the Louvre Museum. According to Le Parisien, Emmanuel Macron could appoint them today in a Cabinet meeting. The President of the Republic is also expected to appoint the new director of the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie.
[Context: The former president of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, resigned, prompting discussions about the museum’s future leadership and security measures.] [Fact Check: President Macron is expected to name a successor for Laurence des Cars and appoint new directors for other museums.]
