French senators say Louvre security not up to scratch

A delegation of French senators visited the Louvre and said the museum’s security was “not compatible” with modern standards and called for better measures for the Paris landmark, which was the scene of a stunning robbery earlier this month.

Thieves spent less than eight minutes stealing jewels worth €88 million ($A156 million) from the world’s most visited museum on October 19.

French authorities described how the intruders used a boom lift to scale the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, cut a hole in the display cases and escaped.

The police interrogation of the two suspects, who were detained on Sunday, continues.

“We all realized that security equipment is not suitable for 21st century museums like the Louvre. This is our flagship, it must be exemplary, and we cannot describe the security conditions in the Louvre today as exemplary,” said Senator Laurent Lafon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Culture.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Louvre with his fellow senators, Lafon said, “There are many improvements to be made. Our security system does not meet today’s standards.”

Lafon acknowledged there was a “weakness” in the outdoor cameras that allowed the robbery, but did not go into further detail “for confidentiality reasons.”

Senators called for a rapid start to major renovations already planned as soon as possible, as France’s 2026 budget is currently being debated in parliament.

The ten-year “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, which includes security improvements, was launched earlier this year.

It is estimated that modernizing the infrastructure, easing crowds and giving the famous Mona Lisa a dedicated gallery by 2031 will cost up to 800 million euros.