Mayor of Paris Proposes Permanent Installation of Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower Amid Controversy

Sports John Brightwater September 4, 2024

Mayor of Paris Proposes Permanent Installation of Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower Amid Controversy

The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, has announced her intention to retain the Olympic rings as a permanent feature on the Eiffel Tower, a significant move that has sparked mixed reactions among the Parisian populace and the Eiffel family. In an interview with the Ouest-France regional newspaper, Mayor Hidalgo expressed her desire to maintain the celebratory spirit of the Olympic Games, asserting that she wishes for these Games to be more than just a fleeting moment in Parisian history. “I want the spirit of celebration to remain,” she stated, emphasizing her perspective that the Games should symbolize the broader transformation of the city, rather than merely being a historical footnote.

However, this decision has encountered opposition from the descendants of Gustave Eiffel, the renowned engineer who designed the iconic tower. The Eiffel family has publicly voiced their concerns, describing the structure as a monument that was not intended to serve as an advertising platform. They articulated their position, stating, “We do not think it appropriate that the Eiffel Tower… should be permanently associated with an external organization, whatever its prestige.”

The Olympic rings, measuring 95 feet (29 meters) in width and 43 feet (13 meters) in height, were installed prior to the commencement of the Olympic Games held in July and were originally slated for removal following the completion of the Paralympics in September. Following Mayor Hidalgo’s intervention, Paris Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan indicated that the existing rings, which weigh approximately 30 tons, would be removed and replaced with lighter models designed for a permanent installation. He explained, “We have so many questions not resolved yet because the original rings were heavy and built for temporary times, so we’ll bring them down and create new ones to keep them for a long time.”

Public opinion remains divided; some residents and tourists regard the rings as an enhancement to the tower, while others consider them an unsightly addition. A petition advocating for the removal of the rings has garnered over 36,000 signatures, reflecting a significant degree of dissent. One local citizen remarked, “I think it is an eyesore,” while another contended that the rings serve to commemorate the memorable moments of the Olympics, stating, “I think that impression should remain here in Paris.”

Additionally, the initiative has attracted criticism from Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture, who underscores the importance of protecting the shared cultural heritage. She has articulated that given the tower’s status as a protected monument, any substantial modifications would necessitate proper authorization.

In summation, while the proposal to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower reflects a desire to perpetuate the celebratory essence of the Games, it has ignited a debate surrounding cultural preservation and the appropriateness of altering such an iconic structure.