Macron’s Notre Dame window plans face strong opposition

President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to leave his mark on Notre Dame Cathedral through contemporary stained-glass window designs is facing significant opposition.

Macron’s proposal involves replacing windows in six south aisle chapels with modern designs in yellow, pink, and green, according to reports.

The president’s office claims this redesign would commemorate the 2019 fire, but this reasoning has been met with strong criticism.

Art historians and architects express concern that these modern additions would disrupt the cathedral’s aesthetic harmony.

France’s National Heritage and Architecture Commission unanimously rejected the plan in July, leading one participating artist to withdraw from the project.

“When I read that, I said, ‘We’re stopping everything,’” stated Pascal Convert.

Professor Claire Smith criticized Macron’s plan as “opportunistic and self-aggrandizing,” suggesting the president is attempting to inappropriately insert himself into the cathedral’s history.

Marine Le Pen denounced the proposal on X, asserting that “a leader can’t sully this priceless heritage on a whim.”

Legal challenges to Macron’s plan are anticipated.

Notre Dame reopened last month with a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including then-President-elect Biden and Prince William.

Traditional carpentry methods were used to rebuild the roof and spire, which were destroyed in the fire.

Donations totaling nearly $1 billion were received in the aftermath of the fire.

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