France is in shock over the murder case of 11-year-old Liana, with Emmanuel Macron acknowledging today that there is a question of “trust” in the country’s institutions. It should be noted that the minor was found dead just days after her disappearance was reported on May 29, 2026, with the case drawing international attention.
France: Executive power at center of criticism amid Liana case
Meanwhile, the French president warned against any “haste” in establishing laws and against any “demagogy,” as the government and parliament grapple with legislative or regulatory proposals in response to this issue.
It should be noted that the French executive power and the lack of resources for justice came under fire today from the victims’ lawyers. The main suspect in the death of the student, whose body was found last Thursday in Gers (south), had never been arrested or summoned despite numerous complaints filed against him for sexual violence against minors.
Macron: “It’s clear there were obvious dysfunctions”
“It’s clear there were obvious dysfunctions. We must, however, understand what falls under individual responsibilities and what under systemic dysfunctions across all involved public services,” declared the head of the French state during the cabinet meeting, according to government spokesperson Maude Brégeon. “It’s the trust in our institutions that is also at stake,” added Emmanuel Macron, as thousands of people demonstrated expressing their anger in recent days across France.
The government launched an administrative investigation, which it entrusted to the General Inspectorates of police and justice, which are expected to release their findings on June 19. Calling for avoiding any “demagogy” and any “haste,” the French president asked to wait for these conclusions to act “methodically” and “strengthen everything that needs to be done,” “only in light of the facts.”
A few days earlier, the head of the French state had denied any lack of tools for judicial institutions.
Charges expected to be upgraded to homicide
The emotion and indignation triggered by Liana’s death fuel a major crisis for the government. Charged on June 1 with kidnapping and unlawful detention, Jérôme B. is set to be brought before the investigating judge responsible for the case at the Auch court in southern France. The charges are expected to be upgraded to homicide.
Justice is also expected to publish the results of the autopsy, which will determine the causes of death and any signs of sexual assault. It should be noted that on Tuesday evening (09/06), the director general of the national gendarmerie Hubert Bonneau stated that this case represents “a failure for the gendarmerie.”
