World

General says architect should 'shut his mouth'

November 15, 2019 6:18 am

The army general overseeing the reconstruction of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris has said the building’s chief architect should “shut his mouth”.

General Jean-Louis Georgelin and architect Philippe Villeneuve disagree over whether the cathedral’s new spire should look modern or medieval.

Notre Dame caught fire in April, losing its spire, roof and many artefacts.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has set a five-year deadline for completing the huge restoration project.

Some experts warn that this target may be too ambitious – and Mr Villeneuve has previously said the only way it can be met is if the spire is a replica of the one that burned down.

But President Macron and General Georgelin both believe the new spire should be “contemporary”.