France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has refused to step down despite mounting public anger over judicial failures linked to the murder of an 11-year-old girl. The body of Lyhanna was discovered last week near Fleurance in the Gers department, days after she disappeared on 29 May. The case has ignited a national debate about the effectiveness of France's justice system, particularly regarding crimes against minors.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Darmanin stated that his position would only be in question if he failed to take responsibility. "The question of my remaining in government would arise only if I were not taking responsibility," he said. He added, "Is the Lyhanna case a one-off failure? Or is it that, in a more systemic way, there are many more cases like this? I will tell the whole truth without hiding anything from the French people."
Apology and Nationwide Review
Darmanin had already issued an apology on Friday, describing the handling of earlier accusations against the primary suspect as a "huge failure." The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Jérome B, is the father of one of Lyhanna's school friends. He had been formally accused twice of raping a child, and a complaint filed in August last year led to an investigation that stalled—police had not questioned him nine months later when Lyhanna went missing.
In response, Darmanin has instructed prosecutors across France to re-examine approximately 70,000 outstanding cases involving alleged crimes against children. This move has fueled concerns that the failures may be systemic rather than isolated. The minister's directive echoes broader worries about the capacity of the French judiciary to handle such cases effectively.
President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged "clear" failings in the case, calling the situation "unacceptable." Opposition figures have seized on the tragedy to criticize the government. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally, said the murder "could have been avoided" and demanded accountability. Politicians across the spectrum have pointed to deeper structural problems within the justice system.
The case has also intensified scrutiny of France's judicial resources. Ludovic Friat, head of a magistrates' union, warned in a letter to Darmanin that prosecutors are overstretched, noting that France has significantly fewer prosecutors than the European average. Figures from the independent commission CIIVISE indicate that only about 7% of complaints related to sexual assault of minors result in a conviction, highlighting systemic shortcomings.
This tragedy comes amid broader political tensions in France. The country is preparing for the next presidential election, and the case has added weight to criticisms of the government's handling of justice and public safety. Over the weekend, hundreds gathered for a silent march in Lyhanna's memory, reflecting both grief and rising frustration with the system.
For more on France's judicial challenges and political landscape, read our coverage of Macron's condemnation of judicial failures and the protests targeting media ties to foreign influence. The case also echoes broader European debates about justice system efficiency, as seen in anti-tourism sentiment across Europe.
