The reopening of Notre Dame Five years after the brutal fire, it promised to be a major international showcase Emmanuel Macron in times of turbulence and political instability in France. What the president didn’t count on was arriving at the big event in the role of lame host, without a government and with a new political crisis open. Above all for what this situation can project from France to the world in a moment that will mean the great reunion Donald Trumparriving at the reopening of the cathedral as his first international visit after being elected.
the fall of the Barnier government, which will be condemned with a motion of censure at the end of the debate that will begin this afternoon in the National Assembly, unless Le Pen backs down at the last moment, is for many the chronicle of a death foretold , since the fragile government has always been subject to the fact that the leader of the National Rally does not press the nuclear button of censorship. Now he does it and puts pressure on Macron,who will have to find a replacement for barnier quickly to act as a firewall. Many analysts are betting on a quick replacement so that the pressure does not focus on the president, which is precisely what le Pen might potentially be looking for, forcing an early presidential election in the face of her own judicial situation. On March 31st we will know the sentence in the embezzlement case of European funds which could cost him five years of ban with immediate request, as requested by the Prosecutor’s Office. Macron’s engagement with Barnier, which lasted just three months, did not achieve the expected stability, as his executive was involuntarily left in the hands of Le Pen, who waited for the most painful moment to press the nuclear button on the motion.
«It turns out that if I’m ahead of you it’s because the French chose me on two occasions (2017 and 2022). “I am vrey proud and I will honor this trust with all my energy until the last second to be useful to the country,” Macron assured the French press from Saudi Arabia,where he is on an official visit.
There are several voices from the centre and the right who have harshly criticized Le Pen’s announcement to bring down the government by voting for the left’s motion of censure. Starting with Michel Barnier himself, who on Tuesday afternoon underlined that “censorship will make things more arduous and the situation more serious”.
last night, in a television interview from his office at the matignon Palace, Barnier was confident that it is indeed still “possible that there is a mirror of responsibility” on the part of the deputies so that the two motions of censure against his government do not go forward. “We are putting the country’s interests at stake,” warned the French prime minister.
From the bench of the left coalition they give him back the responsibility.André Caissagnehead of the communist deputies, replied: «if tomorrow we enter unknown territory [por hoy]“this is your responsibility.” One of the most critical in recent hours towards Le Pen’s decision was the head of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, considered close to the heavy theses of RN. “It is deplorable,” Retailleau said,accusing Le Pen of “mixing” with the ultra-left.
In this period of waiting before the vote on the censure motion,many in France are wondering how far the consequences of the embryo of the problem will reach: Macron’s decision to dissolve the Assembly after the poor result in the European elections. the legislative elections generated in the National Rally the illusion of a victory with eleven million votes which did not materialize thanks to the union of almost all the remaining forces on the ballot to stop the far right. Since then Macron has hidden from the international scene. He then decided to deal only with the functions reserved by the Constitution to the President of the Republic: defense and foreign policy and to be seen in remarkable showcases such as the olympic Games or the reopening of Notre Dame, which offered glimpses into the midst of this crisis.
The newspaper “Le Monde” condemned Macron’s situation in one of its stands as someone who “wastes away in a slow twilight”. Not even the new Notre Dame, one of his great bets, reborn within five years as announced, seems to be able to save him from that presidential decline.
What are the broader implications of the Notre Dame reopening for France’s identity and political climate?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have with us dr. Elise Martel, a political analyst and expert on international relations, to discuss the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral and the wider implications surrounding this momentous event. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martel.
Dr. Martel: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: So,Dr. Martel,five years have passed since the tragic fire at Notre Dame,and now the cathedral is reopening.What does this event represent not only for France but for the world at large?
Dr.Martel: The reopening of Notre Dame is much more than just a restoration of a historic building. It symbolizes resilience and cultural heritage, reminding the world of the importance of preservation in the face of adversity. For France, it’s an opportunity to showcase its ability to rebuild and to unite, especially during a time of domestic political instability.
Editor: Indeed. You mentioned political instability. President Macron is arriving at this important event without a stable government.How does this impact his role at the reopening?
Dr. Martel: Macron is in a precarious situation. The reopening was initially supposed to project strength, but instead, he finds himself in a “lame host” position amidst a governmental crisis. This shift affects how the event is perceived,both domestically and internationally. Instead of being a triumphant moment, it raises questions about his leadership and the future of his management, especially with a potential motion of censure against his government looming.
Editor: That’s a great point.And speaking of international audiences, the reopening aligns with former President Trump’s first international visit since his election. What significance do you see in this coincidence?
Dr. Martel: The timing is quite ironic and layered with meaning. Trump’s attendance can be seen as a reflection of shifting political alliances and sentiments. It also offers an opportunity for Macron to engage with a high-profile American figure, albeit against a backdrop of instability in his own government. this dual narrative—celebration of heritage versus political chaos—will be scrutinized around the globe.
Editor: So, do you believe this event could potentially act as a diplomatic stage for Macron, despite the turbulence at home?
Dr. Martel: Precisely. If Macron can navigate the reopening successfully with high-profile guests like Trump, it could serve as a redemption arc for his leadership. However, if the political crisis escalates during this time, it might overshadow the event’s symbolism. His ability to maintain control and convey a message of unity will be crucial.
Editor: What should we be watching out for as the event unfolds? Any key indicators of its success or failure in terms of Macron’s political standing?
Dr. Martel: Look out for Macron’s speech and the reactions from both the local and international audience. How well he addresses the current challenges while celebrating the reopening will be telling. Moreover, if there’s any disruption from political opposition during the event, it could severely undermine his message. We must also watch how the media covers the event—this will influence public perception considerably.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martel, for yoru insights! This event clearly carries a dual significance, and it will be captivating to see how it all plays out.
Dr.Martel: Thank you for having me! I’m eager to see how this unfolds as well.
