‘Notre-Dame has been restored to its full level of glory, and even more so,’ said the President-elect Donald J. Trump this week, as he confirmed that he would be honouring Emmanuel Macron with his presence for the big reopening of France’s most famous cathedral on Saturday. ‘It will be a very special day for all!’
Just like Trump, Macron relishes such stately occasions, and it would be churlish to deny him credit for Notre-Dame’s impressive reconstruction following the devastating fire that shocked the world in 2019. Paul McCartney has reportedly been given an ‘exceptional authorisation’ to sing ‘Imagine’ within the sacred walls, while the rapper Pharrell Williams will perform outside.
Victor Hugo noted: ‘On the face of this aged queen of our cathedrals, by the side of a wrinkle, one always finds a scar.’ While Notre-Dame may have risen from the ashes, Macron’s government is a smouldering ruin. Macron once compared himself to Jupiter; now he more resembles Ozymandias.
The French President is reported to be depressed, disagreeable with colleagues, sulking in his palace
He is the author of his own despair.
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