Louvre Museum director resigns months after crown jewels heist

Laurence des Cars resigned as director of the Louvre after months of scrutiny following an October theft of crown jewels and other operational problems; President Macron accepted the resignation and announced a new G7-era mission for her.

The Louvre's director, Laurence des Cars, resigned on Tuesday after an extended period of scrutiny at the museum. Her departure follows an October theft of crown jewels and several other operational problems that drew public attention. President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation and said he would assign des Cars a new mission related to France's G7 presidency. Authorities have also made public a suspected ticket fraud investigation tied to the museum. Key points: - Laurence des Cars stepped down as director of the Louvre; President Macron described the resignation as an act of responsibility and accepted it. - The resignation follows the October theft of crown jewels; several suspects have been arrested but the stolen pieces remain missing. - French authorities have disclosed a suspected long-running ticket fraud scheme that investigators say may have cost the museum about 10 million euros. - Macron said des Cars would be given a mission during France's Group of Seven presidency focused on cooperation among major museums. Summary: The resignation closes a period of public and political scrutiny at the Louvre after the crown jewels theft and other recent problems, and draws further attention to the museum's security and management. President Macron accepted the resignation and announced a new G7-related role for des Cars while investigations and institutional reforms remain underway.