French MP's museum security report criticized for ideological bias

A French parliamentary report on museum security, authored by MP Alexis Corbière of La France Insoumise, has been criticized for ideological bias and questionable assertions. The report's subtitle, 'Protecting heritage from those who don't have any,' reflects its partisan tone. Corbière advocates for direct public administration of regional museums, opposes differentiated pricing for non-Europeans, and criticizes the Louvre for prioritizing spectacle over security. He targets Louvre president Laurence des Cars and her predecessor Jean-Luc Martinez, accusing them of 'hyper-presidency' and closeness to President Emmanuel Macron. The report recommends transparent appointment procedures for museum presidents, modeled on the British Museum, despite its own security lapses. It also proposes increased parliamentary oversight. However, the report contains practical recommendations, such as appointing security coordinators, creating a research unit at the ministry to anticipate theft methods, and extending the Ramses police liaison system. The report's 'it's only a matter of' approach suggests increased state subsidies and multi-year planning without addressing funding. It also advocates for more permanent civil servants as guards rather than contractors. The report was published on May 28, 2026, in Le Journal des Arts.