France’s President Emmanuel Macron secured a symbolic victory with the grand reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral. The event highlighted his skillful use of cultural diplomacy, blending political strategy with sacred tradition. Macron leveraged the occasion to host pivotal talks between Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President-elect Donald Trump, setting a stage that overshadowed other European leaders.
The reopening followed a turbulent week for Macron. The collapse of the government left France politically adrift, with calls for his resignation mounting. Despite this, Macron declared his intention to serve out the remaining 30 months of his term. The timing of a new EU trade deal with Mercosur countries, opposed by Macron, underscored France’s diminished influence within the bloc. Even stormy weather forced a planned concert outside Notre Dame to be pre-recorded.
A Diplomatic Masterstroke
Macron seized the moment by hosting a trilateral meeting with Trump and Zelensky at the Elysée before the ceremony. Photographs of Macron warmly greeting Trump at the French presidential palace, including a full guard of honor, dominated headlines. Trump, despite not yet being in office, used the occasion to bolster his global presence. For Zelensky, the meeting provided a critical platform amid fears over Trump’s claims he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, potentially conceding to Russia. Afterward, Zelensky thanked Trump for his “unwavering resolve” and described the talks as “good and productive.”
This meeting positioned Macron as a central figure in shaping relations with a second Trump administration. Trump’s appearance, accompanied by Elon Musk, his pick for the newly-created “Department of Government Efficiency,” marked his first international trip since his election win. While 50 other world leaders attended, many sent ceremonial representatives. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was notably absent, leaving German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to represent the country. EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola was present, but Ursula von der Leyen was returning from Mercosur negotiations.
Macron’s position at the center of the diplomatic spotlight was undeniable. Trump sat between the French president and First Lady Brigitte Macron during the cathedral ceremony. The timing of the event coincided with the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, further amplifying the global significance of the discussions.
Notre Dame: A Symbol of Power and Legacy
Macron masterfully invoked Notre Dame’s historical role as a site where religion and political power converge. He described the cathedral, where Napoleon crowned himself emperor, as a “metaphor for the life of the nation.” The event allowed Macron to project an image of leadership amid domestic and international challenges.
While forming a new government and addressing France’s economic struggles remain daunting tasks, the reopening of Notre Dame solidified Macron’s image as a statesman. The ceremony blended tradition, diplomacy, and resilience, ensuring its place as a defining moment in his presidency.