The world-renowned Louvre museum in France is on the verge of a change in leadership after the resignation of its president, Laurence des Cars, on Tuesday, and there is even an imminent accession of a new chief in a bid to rebuild trust in the museum after several months of upheaval.

The current running head of the Palace of Versailles, Christophe Leribault, is strongly anticipated to assume the position, as one of the sources of the French executive stated.

It has been announced that his appointment would be announced by the Council of Ministers, with a mandate of securing and modernising the institution, and also providing the ambitious overhaul of the Louvre titled “Louvre – New Renaissance.”

The relocation is timed well, considering that the world’s most popular museum has been struggling with high-profile cases that have not only revealed its vulnerabilities but also initiated new impetus to enact change.

Months of pressure

Des Cars officially resigned after handing in her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who acknowledged it, though he termed it a responsible choice at a time when the museum requires peace and a new effort to implement large-scale security initiatives.

Her resignation comes after months of pressure associated with a bold robbery in October, where French crown jewels valued at about 88 million euros had been stolen in broad daylight. The jewels are not found yet, and the four suspects are in custody, but the investigations continue.

In the first place, Macron had refused a previous proposal by des Cars to resign soon after the break-in. However, the more problems came to light, such as claims of systemic-level security failures, a ticket fraud scandal, and even a water leak in a gallery that houses the Mona Lisa, the harder the pressure got.

Parliamentary inquiries and audits have painted a bleak picture. After dozens of hearings, lawmakers have cited systemic failures and criticised the museum by the Court of Auditors in France, who had warned of the importance of investing in basic security measures previously, as early as 2017.

Later interviews by Des Cars herself admitted inadequacies, stating that structural weaknesses had not been eliminated and that the concerns were valid. Nevertheless, Macron appreciates her effort and acknowledges her experience and that her tenure was not futile.

Rebuilding confidence

What follows is now drawing attention – and what, too, is the challenge facing Leribault, in the event of his appointment being made. The focus of his mission is supposed to be restoring trust, enhancing security infrastructure, and successfully delivering the long-term renovation strategy of the Louvre.

Visiting it every year, around nine million people can see masterpieces in the museum in a former royal palace, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It is a world power whose instability rings all over the world; its stability is a priority.

Although the new developments have been disastrous, there are indications of the reset already in progress. Several emergency measures have been proposed since the robbery, such as enhancements on security systems, and several investigations, by the culture ministry, parliament and the Senate, are likely to present detailed recommendations in the next months.