A heated debate has erupted over plans to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower, with descendants of the iconic landmark’s designer and locals expressing strong opposition.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced on Saturday that she intends to replace the original rings, which were installed during the recent Olympic Games, with new ones. However, the Association of Gustave Eiffel’s Descendants has criticized the move, stating that the Eiffel Tower should not become an “advertising outpost.”
The association’s chairman, Olivier Berthelot-Eiffel, argued that while the family did not object to the rings staying longer than the Paralympic Games, they should not be made permanent. “The Eiffel Tower should not be modified without discussion and authorization,” he said.
Hidalgo countered that she has the agreement of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the decision is hers to make. However, Culture Minister Rachida Dati cast doubt on the plan, citing the need for authorizations and impact studies due to the tower’s protected status.
Social media reaction was mixed, but many Parisians expressed skepticism about modifying the city’s symbol, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. “The Eiffel Tower has a history of 135 years and surpasses a sports and media event of 17 days,” commented the SOS Paris group.
The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing the city’s desire to capitalize on the Olympic legacy with the need to preserve its historic landmarks.
