Trump and Macron in Paris this weekend

In April 2019, a fire broke out in the historic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the whole world turned its attention to Paris. It will officially reopen this weekend. Although President Macron hopes to exploit this political advantage, key questions about the reasons for this remain unanswered.

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The night of April 15, 2019 is deeply etched in the memory of Parisians. Images of the burning cathedral were spread around the world. Much of the roof structure was burned, the cross towers collapsed, and the vaults of the main hall were damaged in at least two places. The shock was huge, and not just in France.

French President Macron said during his last inspection of the large construction site of Notre Dame in Paris that it was this shock that would be as great as when the fire broke out again.

The restoration of the Gothic monument in the middle of Paris' historic center at the eastern end of the Île de la Cité took about five years. Reconstruction work has cost around €700 million so far.

At that time, Macron promised in a televised speech that Notre Dame would become even more beautiful: “I hope it will be completed within five years. We can do this.”

Macron kept his promise. During the restoration process, 42,000 square meters of natural stone were cleared of centuries of dirt and soot, giving Notre Dame a new brilliance. More than 2,000 people participated in the process. Macron said during his last visit to the construction site that this was a special challenge.

After five years of restoration, Notre Dame Cathedral has regained its new splendor.Image: trapezoid

What started the fire?

But even five years after the fire, the cause remains unclear and rumors continue to circulate. Police officials officially believe there was a short circuit, but this is just speculation.

“No one was interested in finding the real cause,” French arts journalist Didier Rykner wrote in his 2023 book “Notre Dame, a National Affair.”

Although an investigation into these incidents was launched in June 2019, it is still incomplete. Experts described the situation as “unusually lengthy.”

Leckner also believes other causes were to blame for the fire. It is well known that deficiencies in maintenance and safety precautions were the real cause of the tragedy.

French journalist Didier Leckner wrote a book about the Notre Dame fire. Image: trapezoid

Leckner's book details how safety precautions were not followed as well as they should have been on the day of the fire. He believes the blame lies with the state.

This suggests the consequences of the fires could be more devastating. Fortunately the church tower was spared and the paintings and artifacts were quickly moved to safety.

Macron’s attempt at self-dramatization

For Macron, the reopening of Notre Dame is the perfect time to dramatize himself. In the past, French presidents have never missed an opportunity to reap political benefits from restoring the cathedral.

A week before the official opening, Macron visited the newly restored cathedral, an event broadcast live on television.

Macron spoke a week before Notre Dame officially reopened.Image: trapezoid

But since Monday, a new political storm has arisen in France. The center-right government faces the threat of being overthrown by the opposition. The Left Alliance has submitted a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Michel Barnier's cabinet to the National Assembly amid controversy over the austerity budget. This could come to a vote in parliament starting on Wednesday. Le Pen also announced she would support a vote of no confidence.

If the right-wing nationalists and the left-wing bloc of communists, socialists, leftists and greens truly unite to vote, they can overthrow the government. This also got Macron into trouble.

The 46-year-old is not a member of the government's cabinet and will remain president even if the vote of no confidence succeeds. However, the pressure on him will increase as his party is also part of the government.

The reopening of Notre Dame this weekend is the perfect opportunity for Macron to distract from the political chaos in Paris. Politics should be pushed into the background by pomp and distinguished guests.

Donald Trump will also attend the opening of Notre Dame Cathedral this weekend. Photo credit: AP/AP

Macron is getting help from the United States. Because Donald Trump will also be one of the many high-profile guests. The US president-elect announced on his social network “Truth Social” that he will travel to Paris to attend the weekend's opening ceremony. In the post, he also praised Macron’s efforts:

Whether Macron and Notre Dame can shine in political glory over the weekend will depend largely on the outcome of Wednesday's no-confidence vote. If the government is overthrown, it will cast a shadow over the glorious reopening.

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