French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to replace six stained-glass windows in Notre Dame with contemporary designs has sparked backlash.

Critics, including preservationists and far-right politicians, argue that the 19th-century windows are legally protected and integral to the cathedral’s aesthetic harmony.

The move is seen as Macron’s attempt to leave a legacy akin to past presidents who reshaped Paris with glass structures.

Despite opposition—including a unanimous vote against the plan by France’s heritage commission—Macron is proceeding, with artist Claire Tabouret’s design set for installation in 2025, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

Legal challenges and public outrage, including a petition with over 275,000 signatures, continue to mount.

Written by B.C. Begley