France Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin Faces Calls for Resignation Over Lyhanna Case

The French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is under intense political pressure after the discovery of the body of 6‑year‑old Lyhanna in the Gers department. The suspect, Jérôme Barella, was identified by a U.S. agency that flagged suspicious online activity.

Party leaders from the PS, RN and LFI have publicly demanded Darmanin’s resignation, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reiterated his confidence in the minister’s actions.

Darmanin has launched a media push, appearing on multiple news programmes and apologising to the nation. An Elabe poll shows 65 % of respondents distrust the justice system and 80 % believe the Lyhanna case stems from institutional dysfunction.

In response to criticism, Darmanin announced the abandonment of plea‑bargaining in criminal matters and noted that his criminal‑justice bill was rejected by the parliamentary committee.