PARIS — The president and director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has been called to testify before French lawmakers regarding a recent jewelry heist. The Senate Culture Committee will hear from des Cars on Wednesday as part of an investigation into the theft of nine valuable pieces from the museum's Apollo Gallery over the weekend.

The theft, which occurred during daylight hours, has prompted a nationwide manhunt for the suspects. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged that authorities will apprehend those responsible for what he described as an "attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history."

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati stated that the thieves targeted two display cases, breaking them to steal a significant amount of jewelry. "They knew exactly where they were going," Dati said, describing the operation as "very organized and very professional."

Among the stolen items is a pearl and diamond tiara that belonged to Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense. Dati expressed confidence in the investigative team, stating, "They're the best team ever for this investigation, so I am quite confident. Some leads were found, so the important thing is not wasting time, especially in this type of case."

Dati indicated that evidence suggests the involvement of organized crime but did not rule out the possibility of an inside job. To enhance security at the Louvre, she has proposed establishing a police station within the museum, rather than relying solely on museum security personnel.

When asked about the safety of other priceless artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Dati assured that all security measures are being reviewed. "What you must remember about France is that our buildings are historic monuments," she noted. "So, it is more complex to secure them."

A forthcoming report from Cour des Comptes, France's supreme auditing institution, has revealed delays in implementing security measures at the Louvre from 2019 to 2024. The report indicates that some areas of the museum lack adequate video surveillance, with the Sully Wing only 40% covered and the Richelieu Wing just 25% covered by cameras. The stolen jewels were located in the Gallery of Apollo, which is not part of these wings.

The report also highlights that while preliminary studies have been conducted to improve security, the actual implementation has been inconsistent and limited. The Louvre remains closed as the investigation continues, and the museum is offering refunds for tickets purchased by visitors.