Macron aims to boost political standing with Notre Dame reopening

French President Emmanuel Macron aims to revitalize his political standing with the reopening of Notre Dame on Saturday. The event will feature international figures, including US President-elect Donald Trump and Prince William, highlighting the cathedral's restoration as a symbol of resilience. The reopening follows the recent collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government, leaving France in a state of uncertainty. The ceremony will mark the Catholic Church's reclaiming of the cathedral, with the first mass scheduled for Sunday. The restoration, completed in five years after a devastating fire in 2019, involved 2,000 workers and raised €850 million in donations. A new visitor route is planned to accommodate the expected increase in tourism, with 12 million annual visitors anticipated.