The Billionaires Who Promised To Rebuild Notre Dame Haven’t Actually Paid A Cent

Jun 26, 2019 by apost team

Within minutes after the fire, the whole world new about Notre Dame. The 12th-century cathedral in Paris spontaneously caught fire on April 16, 2019. The world was heartbroken over the damage to such a magnificent artifact, but millions immediately came forward to offer donations toward its restoration.

Some of the most generous offers came from fashion industry billionaires including François-Henri Pinault, the CEO of Kering, and his wife, actress Salma Heyek.

The couple pledged 100 million euros to Notre Dame, which was soon followed by a 200-million-euro donation from LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault. A group of other wealthy donors came forward, offering 600 million euros to the cause.

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Many people found the extravagance unnecessary and even ignorant in the face of other global tragedy; billions of dollars could be better spent helping people in third-world countries. 

Months have passed, and Notre Dame is almost ready to undergo the first stage of its restoration. However, none of the billionaires who so generously came forth with their offerings have paid a cent.

Andre Finot, the Senior Press Official at Notre Dame, told Bloomberg that the investors are withholding their funds until they have greater clarity of its intended use.

"They want to know what exactly their money is being spent on and if they agree to it before they hand it over, and not just to pay employees’ salaries," Finot explained.

American and French citizens, on the other hand, have donated the greatest amount from their own pockets. These donations will fund the restoration, which have been able to cover the salaries of over 150 employees who work at the cathedral. The first payment transfer dedicated to the construction will be issued this month in the amount of 3.6 million euros.

Although it's unclear if the Notre Dame will ever receive the millions it was promised, people are nevertheless optimistic about its revival. French President Emmanuel Macron estimates the construction will be complete in five years, though some architects believe this is highly unlikely.

More funds would help expedite the process, but regardless of how long it takes, the world will wait for the restoration of this French masterpiece.

Do you think that the billionaires will ever pay up, or did they only offer up money for the positive attention? Did you or someone you know make a donation to the Notre Dame charity? Let us hear all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.