The head of France's world-famous Louvre Museum has resigned, the office of the French presidency has announced, following a months-long string of scandals - including a brazen jewel heist.
Laurence des Cars submitted her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron, which was accepted, with the Elysee "hailing an act of responsibility at a time when the world's largest museum needs appeasement and a new strong impetus to carry out major security projects".
Ms des Cars has been under rising pressure since the October robbery at the museum that saw millions worth of French crown jewels stolen in broad daylight, which is currently under the scrutiny of an inquiry.
She first offered her resignation shortly after the 19 October break-in, but it was refused by Mr Macron, who named her to the position in 2021.
Mr Macron thanked Ms des Cars for her "action and commitment" as well as "her undeniable scientific expertise."
Last week, MPs leading the inquiry presented an interim assessment of their work after 70 hearings, pointing to "systemic failures" that led to the break-in.
The complete findings are due to be released in May.
The French culture ministry has ordered its own internal audit of the robbery, while senators are also holding hearings into the heist which captivated France and many people abroad.
Four suspects are in police custody, including the two suspected thieves, but the eight stolen items of French crown jewels worth an estimated €87 million have not been found.
In addition to the robbery, the Louvre has been the subject of a ticket fraud scandal and a water leak, after a pipe burst earlier this month in a wing that houses the Mona Lisa and other priceless paintings.
