By Rim ElChami
People all over the world were heartbroken yesterday as they watched the catastrophic fire engulfing the iconic cathedral, Notre Dame.
France’s president Emmanuel Macron vowed in front of the burning cathedral that the French will rebuild Notre Dame together.
“We’ll rebuild Notre-Dame together. I am solemnly telling you tonight: this cathedral will be rebuilt by all of us together. We will rebuild Notre Dame because that is what the French expect, because that is what our history deserves, because it is our destiny.”
LIVE | Déclaration depuis le parvis de #NotreDame.https://t.co/Bs2p4cpftB
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 15, 2019
However, this promise won’t come cheap. Experts estimated the cost of conducting essential structural work to be around €150 million, and that projection was made before the fire hit. In addition, more than €4 million ($4.5 million) was spent every year on basic renovations.
Not forgetting to mention the loss of income from tourists. Even though there are no fees to enter the cathedral, it costs €8.50 to visit the tower and €6 to go into the crypt. With 13 million visitors every year, France will be losing millions in tourist revenue.
In response to Macron’s vow, two French billionaires who run luxury brands have already pledged to support the rebuilding of Notre Dame by donating €300 million in total.
Bernard Arnault (head of LVMH) donated €200 million for restoration, while François-Henri Pinault (CEO of the company that controls Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent) has pledged €100 million.
In addition, a French charity (Fondation du Patrimoine) has opened up a call for donations, and the French Heritage Society, has launched a restoration fund.
Yet, we still don't know the actual cost of rebuilding one of France's historic icons.
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