23:44
French Government Collapses as Barnier Loses No-Confidence Vote
Barnier will leave office having served the shortest prime ministerial term in modern French history
Macron makes final visit to Notre-Dame as reconstruction nears completion
Reuters
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Paris' iconic Notre-Dame cathedral on Friday, marking his final visit before the landmark reopens to the public next week, following more than five years of intensive reconstruction.
The cathedral was severely damaged by a devastating fire on the evening of April 15, 2019, which destroyed much of the roof and caused the spire to collapse. The fire, which shocked viewers worldwide, also threatened the cathedral’s bell towers, although they and the façade survived. The blaze was an international tragedy, with the sight of the medieval structure in flames drawing global sympathy.
Since the fire, a massive reconstruction effort has been underway to restore Notre-Dame to its former glory. On Friday, drone footage revealed the completed spire, while scaffolding remained in place around parts of the façade as workers rushed to finalise the restoration ahead of the official reopening on December 7.
Whilst the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, French authorities have speculated that an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette may have been to blame.
Macron’s visit comes at a time when the world-famous cathedral is on the verge of returning to its role as a symbol of French heritage, following years of painstaking restoration.
11:44
French parliament to debate MP's No-confidence vote
France’s National Assembly on Wednesday is set to debate two no-confidence Wednesday certain to oust the fragile coalition of Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This comes after Barnier decided to overstep parliament to pass the social security budget.
13:15
Barnier's budget move puts French government on edge
France’s minority government is on the verge of collapse. It's after Prime Minister Michel Barnier pushed through the 2025 budget without a parliamentary vote and a no confidence vote looks likely on Wednesday.
10:33
French government faces collapse as left and far-right submit no-confidence motions
The French government is all but certain to collapse later this week after far-right and left-wing parties submitted no-confidence motions on Monday against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
11:15
France's Macron reaffirms support for Ukraine in call with Zelenskyy
French President Macron reaffirms support for Ukraine in a call with President Zelenskyy, condemning intensified Russian attacks and pledging assistance for Ukraine's air defense and Mirage aircraft.
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