### Title: Macron Presents a Gleaming Notre-Dame Ahead of Historic Reopening

### Summary: On a televised tour, President Macron revealed the stunning restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, highlighting the thorough cleaning and structural work completed since the 2019 fire. The event served to draw attention away from current political issues in France.

On Friday, the world caught a captivating glimpse of the freshly restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, courtesy of a televised tour led by French President Emmanuel Macron. This enlightening event occurred just a week before the cathedral officially reopens to the public after the devastating fire that struck in 2019.

“I believe you are seeing the cathedral like it has never been seen before,” remarked Philippe Jost, who heads the reconstruction efforts. Joining Macron on this momentous occasion were his wife, Brigitte, the mayor, and the archbishop of Paris, all captivated by the majestic Gothic structure.

Inside, over 450,000 square feet of limestone have undergone meticulous restoration, removing ash and grime built up over centuries, resulting in an interior that shines with unexpected brightness. This tour offered Macron a significant opportunity to divert attention from the pressing political issues and budgetary challenges currently facing France, showcasing a major achievement in cultural restoration that he had committed to completing within a challenging five-year timeline.

During the event, Macron was expected to acknowledge and thank over half of the 2,000 artisans and craftspeople from across France and beyond who contributed to the cathedral's remarkable reconstruction, underscoring the collaborative spirit and dedication that went into revitalizing this iconic monument.