One Year After Fire, Notre Dame’s Rebuild Is in Limbo

A year ago, on April 15, 2019, fire struck the historical, 800-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral located in Paris, France. To commemorate the first anniversary of the fire, the Cathedral's bell rang and citizens applauded for all the healthcare heroes working on the frontlines. France President, Emmanuel Macron, promised that the damages the Cathedral suffered were going to be completely repaired within five years, by 2024, in time for the Olympic games happening in France. Unfortunately, the Cathedral reparations have been greatly delayed due to the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has caused. There is fear that because delays are happening, due to the heat and moisture, the ceiling can collapse.

France has about 902 million Euros destined for the reconstruction of the cathedral. Currently, it has spent about 188 million Euros in reparations. A new scaffolding has been constructed around the damaged one and the burnt scaffolding was about to be taken down when the pandemic lockdown began and this has delayed all scheduled plans for the roof reparations. Although it is currently uncertain when reparations for the Cathedral will start again, there is hope that with extra effort, it will be fully repaired by 2024.

I chose this article because it relates to the social and political factors of the external environment. The beautiful Cathedral is a symbolic and historical place that attracts a lot of tourism, and it represents French culture. The impact COVID-19 has had on it is important because it will affect tourism, if it is not finished by 2024, in time for the Olympic games. It was also a promise made by President Macron, that it would be finished by 2024, which could affect the political area if not finished at the promised time.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/one-year-after-blaze-notre-dame-rebuild-is-in-limbo-11586954747