Only last week, I read a really interesting and well written article about how Notre-Dame could potentially collapse if huge sums of money weren't spent on a massive renovation project.
The massive cost of saving Notre-Dame
The French government were alreading donating millions annually for its upkeep but were fighting a losing battle with many more hundreds of millions, possibly billions required to complete a full restoration.
Also in France right now are the continuing protests from the yellow vests who were ramping up their efforts once again in reaction to new laws that gave security forces greater powers to quell protestors and demonstrations and to new proposals about to be submitted to end the crisis in the next few days.
But all this is currently forgotton as a new wave of solidarity brings together people and organisations aghast at the destruction by fire of this famous landmark. With a battle cry, much reminiscent of Churchills post war call to rebuild London, Macron pledges that "We will rebuild Notre-Dame", and has called for international support and already received pledges of a hundred-million Euros from Francois-Henri, owner of Gucci amd Yves-Saint Laurent. Individual and community pledges and donations are gathering a-pace.
Amazingly however, it seems the valuable artworks and relics were saved, being rushed through the doors on a human chain and safely into the back of police vans and away for safe-keeping. That was lucky! Jesus' actual crown of thorns is now in a safehouse.
Franck Riester, the French culture minister, tweeted that "Major parts of the treasure NotreDame are now safe at the Paris City Hall".
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo added: "The Crown of thorns, the tunic of Saint Louis and several other major works are now in a safe place."
So, apart from a slightly injured fireman, the whole structure remains intact, the collapsed spire was being completely rebuilt anyway and now they have an empty superstructure ready for renovation and renewel and a host of emotional gothic architecture lovers to pay for it fanned by the Presidents resolute rhetoric and rallying cries to the people of France. His popularity is going to go through the roof, the man's on fire....figure of speech!
Of course the Brits could have done it, Theresea has the perfect excuse for pushing to get us out of Europe as I'm sure there will be EU 'grants' being made available for the rebuilding and the Brits won't like any more of their money being wasted on rebuilding old churches thus making Brexit more popular.
So much to gain from this fire and so little actually lost. Makes you wonder doesn't it?
@nathen007