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Louvre Staff Extend Strike, Forcing Partial Reopening and Heightened Scrutiny

Union leaders say unresolved staffing gaps plus security lapses revealed by October's jewel heist triggered the walkout.

Overview

  • The museum reopened on a restricted basis after Wednesday’s vote, with a limited “masterpiece route” and several rooms closed to visitors.
  • Unions rejected Culture Ministry proposals to cancel a 2026 funding cut, hire more guards and visitor staff, and raise pay, calling the package insufficient.
  • Louvre President Laurence des Cars faces a Senate hearing after acknowledging an institutional failure, as the ministry installs emergency measures and brings in Philippe Jost to assist reorganization.
  • The October robbery that took roughly €88 million in crown jewels exposed major security gaps flagged by audits in 2017 and 2019, and the stolen items remain unrecovered.
  • Workers cite deteriorating infrastructure, including weakened beams and a recent water leak that damaged research volumes, as long queues and partial closures frustrate tourists.