Review: Donald Trump to Attend Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopening in Paris
The anticipated US President-elect, Donald Trump, is set to travel to Paris this weekend to attend the grand reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. A potential encounter with Grand Duke Henri, representing Luxembourg at the event, is on the cards.
Donald Trump, the President-elect, has announced his plan to visit the opening ceremony of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris this upcoming weekend. “It is my honor to announce that I will travel to Paris on Saturday to participate in the reopening of the magnificent and historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which has been completely restored after a devastating fire five years ago,” Trump stated on his Truth Social online platform on Monday. This marks his first foreign trip since winning the US election in November. “It will be a very special day for everyone,” Trump added in his post.
French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver an address on the cathedral’s forecourt on Saturday. Approximately 3,000 attendees are expected at the site, with an additional 40,000 visitors along the Seine River banks. Around 50 heads of state and government are expected at the reopening ceremony. Luxembourg will be represented by Grand Duke Henri in Paris during the event, as confirmed by the Luxembourgish court upon inquiry. Prime Minister Luc Frieden (CSV) is not scheduled to attend the ceremony in Paris as of Tuesday morning, as per his office.
The Gothic church suffered extensive damage in a major fire in 2019. With donations totaling €846 million, the church underwent comprehensive restoration in just over five years. The cause of the fire was not conclusively determined, with investigators considering factors such as a short circuit and inadequate fire protection.
Trump’s acceptance of Macron’s invitation to Paris can be seen as a strategic move. During Trump’s first term, Macron was one of the leaders who found a way to engage with the US President. Their handshake duels at several meetings remain memorable. When the cathedral was ablaze, Trump took to Twitter to offer advice to the French on extinguishing the fire. The then and future US President suggested the use of firefighting aircraft, which drew mockery as experts believed such action could have caused the entire building to collapse.
Le Monde reported that Macron invited Trump to Paris during a phone call. The two leaders briefly touched on major international issues such as the Middle East and particularly the conflict in Ukraine. The weekend is expected to provide an opportunity to delve deeper into these discussions. There is a general concern that the US under President Trump may reduce or halt its support for Ukraine, posing significant challenges for Kiev and European nations.
Luxembourg’s government has expressed its intention to strengthen ties with the US under President Trump. “As a government, we will do everything to maintain good relations and even enhance relations with America,” stated Prime Minister Frieden in an interview with Tageblatt. Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel (DP) echoed this stance in his first speech on Luxembourg’s foreign policy in mid-November. Unlike Frieden, Bettel has had the chance to meet Trump personally during his tenure as Prime Minister.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Donald Trump’s visit to the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris?
Donald Trump’s acceptance of the invitation to attend the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris signifies a diplomatic move and an opportunity for international engagement.
2. How did the Notre-Dame Cathedral restoration project come to fruition?
The restoration of the Notre-Dame Cathedral was made possible through generous donations totaling €846 million, allowing for a comprehensive restoration within a relatively short period.
3. What international issues were discussed between Trump and Macron during the phone call?
During a phone call, Trump and Macron briefly touched on major international issues such as the situation in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine.
4. What concerns are associated with the potential US policy shift towards Ukraine under President Trump?
There is a concern that the US under President Trump may reduce or cease its support for Ukraine, posing challenges for Kiev and European nations.
5. How has Luxembourg’s government expressed its intentions towards enhancing relations with the US under President Trump?
The Luxembourgish government has stated its commitment to maintaining and strengthening relations with America under President Trump to foster diplomatic ties.
6. What advice did Trump offer via Twitter during the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire?
Trump suggested using firefighting aircraft to extinguish the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire, which drew criticism as experts believed it could have caused further damage.
7. How many heads of state and government are expected to attend the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening ceremony?
Around 50 heads of state and government are expected to participate in the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
8. Who will represent Luxembourg at the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris?
Grand Duke Henri will represent Luxembourg at the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, as confirmed by the grand ducal court.
9. What was the cause of the fire that severely damaged the Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019?
The cause of the fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019 was not definitively determined, with potential factors including a short circuit and inadequate fire protection.
10. What was the response to Trump’s advice on extinguishing the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire?
Trump’s advice to use firefighting aircraft to quell the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire was met with skepticism, as experts believed it could have had detrimental consequences.
Tags:
Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Donald Trump, Macron, Ukraine, Diplomacy