Bachelot testifies on Louvre security

Roselyne Bachelot, former Minister of Culture and a member of the RTL group, testified before a parliamentary commission on January 8, 2026, discussing national heritage protection and museum security. She mentioned her earlier support for appointing Laurence des Cars as head of the Louvre, calling her "a great professional."

Bachelot distances herself from Des Cars

During a May 2026 episode of Complément d'Enquête, Bachelot publicly distanced herself from Laurence des Cars, shifting responsibility for the Louvre's security weaknesses away from the Ministry of Culture. She claimed the primary blame lay with the museum's management.

Bachelot comments on instability in the Ministry

Bachelot spoke about the "revolving door of officials" in the Ministry of Culture and public institutions. She humorously noted that a minister of culture lasts about as long as a car's emergency stop strip and mentioned a "loss along the line" due to frequent changes in leadership.

Bachelot criticizes Louvre's tourism strategy

Beyond the security issues, Bachelot expressed concerns about the Louvre's future amid mass tourism. She voiced reservations about the "New Renaissance of the Louvre" project, a large-scale initiative launched by President Emmanuel Macron, and criticized the impact of excessive tourist traffic on the museum experience.

Security upgrades underway at the Louvre

The Louvre is implementing significant security upgrades, including a new security command post operational since October 2026 and new cameras in sensitive areas. A budget of 85 million euros is allocated for security from 2025 to 2032, a substantial increase from previous years.

Financial and political challenges ahead

The "New Renaissance of the Louvre" project faces financial and political challenges, including the need to raise 660 million euros from private sources. While some funding is expected from a partnership with Abu Dhabi, the remaining amount is difficult to secure, placing the museum under significant financial pressure.