Emmanuel Macron speaks with Lyhanna's parents as France debates justice system failures

The body of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna was discovered on 4 June in Fleurance, Gers. President Emmanuel Macron called the girl’s parents on 10 June, holding a “long, emotional” telephone conversation that also involved his wife Brigitte. The call was arranged through Laurent Carrié, the president’s chief of staff and former prefect of Gers, who visited the town and promised to attend the funeral.

Macron described “manifest dysfunctions” in public services and warned against demagogy or hasty reactions, saying “we do not answer a tragedy with cries.” Opposition leader Marine Le Pen blamed political responsibility, particularly the reforms of interior minister Gérald Darmanin, and called for a total overhaul of the justice system.

A CSA poll reported that 68 % of French citizens support a referendum on the death penalty for crimes against children, while 86 % see systemic failures in the institutions. Darmanin’s approval dropped 5 points to 39 % after the case. The main suspect, Jérôme Barella, had previously been the subject of multiple complaints that were not acted upon. Inspections of the investigating agencies are underway, with a pre‑report due 13 June and a full report expected 13 July.