Notre Dame reborn but how will world leaders unite amid turmoil?

The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral today marks a pivotal cultural and political moment, drawing 40 world leaders—including French President Emmanuel Macron, US President-elect Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and UK Prince William—against a backdrop of global tensions and historic restoration.

The Notre Dame reopening marks a historical moment in French history. The infamous landmark, which takes centre stage in its cultural heritage, has been restored to former glory after it went up in flames in 2019. Yet the event beholds a greater layer of complexity. Not only will French President Emmanuel Macron be attending his country’s event in Paris, but he will be accompanied by US President, Donald Trump; Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky; UK future King, Prince William; and dozens of other world leaders as they celebrate the reopening today, Saturday December 7.

If on a political level, this were a triumphant reunion, the event would probably not have garnered so much interest. However, with a backdrop of conflict, controversy and government collapse, the scenario is not so clear-cut.

40 leaders from around the world will meet for Notre Dame reopening

President-elect, Trump landed earlier in Paris to mark his first international trip since his election win. He is joined by Zelensky, with both men preparing for a day of intense diplomacy. The reopening ceremony of Notre Dame will take place at 6pm (GMT) and will be attended by 40 heads of state and government, meaning that many leaders will be rubbing shoulders with Trump and with each other in what promises to be an interesting political rendez-vous.

Today, talks will be being held between Trump and Macron at the Elysee Palace at 3pm (GMT) and later at 4pm, Macron will be meeting with Zelensky. According to some sources, Trump may also join a meeting with Zelensky. This is a tense time for political leaders, especially as Macron’s relationship with Trump has been described as ‘up and down’ and in Kyiv there are fears that Trump, who boasted about ending Russia’s war on Ukraine in 24 hours, may urge concessions to Moscow. Trump has also been seen to underplay the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s military assistance, speaking of forcing a quick settlement.

In the absence of President Joe Biden who had been closer to Europe than perhaps Trump appears to be, there is speculation around just how distant Trump will behave.

Macron too cannot be entirely comfortable in his presidential plumage either, with his own prime minister ousted only a few days ago, leaving the country in political turmoil. At least he can have the backing of Trump on this account who said Macron had “done a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full level of glory.” The French President is now tasked with trying to maintain positive relationships with the impulsive US president, with whom he has shared some discrepancies historically.

Things have become more embittered over the time with Trump striking at Macron’s economic policy and calling him “very, very nasty” in 2019 after Macron objected to the US level of commitment to the NATO alliance. Relationships seemed to reconcile when Macron congratulated Trump on his election win by telephone.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen did not make the trip in the end, despite plans to do so. She is currently at loggerheads with Macron concerning free trade agreements between the EU and four South American countries. In the meantime, UK’s Prince William, the elder son of King Charles III is keeping a lower profile and will hold meetings with Trump, who he has not seen 2019 when Trump was in his previous term as President.

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