The Eiffel Tower closed to visitors on Monday due to a strike sparked by the removal of female staff from the landmark’s third floor during an organized visit, according to the German press agency DPA, citing the French newspaper Le Parisien. Management at the site initially blamed “operational reasons” for the closure on the monument’s official website, but employees revealed that a group of roughly 100 members from a Hindu religious group requested that female workers be kept away from their tour route on Saturday.
Political Backlash and Official Inquiries
The incident triggered sharp condemnation across Paris. Emmanuel Grégoire, the mayor of the capital, voiced public support for the striking workforce and announced that local authorities will launch a formal investigation into the matter, as reported by Le Parisien and DPA. “Equality between women and men will never end at the foot of our historical monuments, nor anywhere else in this city,” Grégoire stated, emphasizing that anti-discrimination rules must apply universally.
Valérie Pécresse, the conservative president of the Île-de-France region, also registered profound dismay over the episode. Pécresse stated that she was shocked to learn an organized delegation, which included religious figures, successfully demanded that female personnel be segregated from specific visitor pathways inside the French landmark.
Management Acknowledges Misstep and Ongoing Closures
The operating company responsible for the monument’s management issued a public statement conceding that it made a wrong decision by accommodating the visiting delegation’s demands, according to Le Parisien’s reporting. The delegation had been escorted exclusively by male members of the operational staff during the contentious tour. Neither municipal authorities nor tower operators have confirmed when normal ticket sales and tourist access will resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Eiffel Tower close on Monday?
The closure was driven by a staff strike protesting the removal of female workers from the third floor during a weekend visit by a Hindu religious group, according to DPA and Le Parisien.
Who requested the removal of the female employees?
According to staff accounts published in Le Parisien, approximately 100 members of a Hindu religious group requested that female staff be kept away from their tour path.
What have French officials said about the incident?
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire condemned the action and announced an investigation, while Île-de-France regional president Valérie Pécresse expressed shock that religious figures demanded staff segregation.
When will the Eiffel Tower reopen?
Management has not yet announced a reopening date for visitors following Monday’s sudden strike.
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