Eiffel Tower reopens after spat over removing women staff

The Eiffel Tower was closed on Monday after a protest from staff who claimed women workers were moved aside during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation from India, according to reports from the BBC and Reuters. Around 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) group toured the Paris landmark on Saturday.

A staff union representative, Diane Davoine, said women were instructed to move out of their usual positions to allow men in when the delegation arrived. This left the staff feeling humiliated, which sparked a strike. The situation escalated over the weekend, leading to a meeting on Monday morning where employees decided to address management and ensure such treatment of women never occurs again.

The company that operates the Eiffel Tower, Société d Exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE), confirmed to AFP that the delegation requested a visit to minimize interactions with women. SETE president Ariel Weil stated that this request was incompatible with the company's values and principles of equality between men and women. BAPS expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and stated that the visit was organized in coordination with the Eiffel Tower's teams, aiming to limit disturbances.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced an investigation into the incident, affirming that the employees' anger is legitimate and emphasizing the necessity of equality between men and women. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also voiced their disapproval, condemning any attempt to restrict women's presence.

National Assembly president Yael Braun-Pivet added her support, stating that women should not be compelled to step aside to accommodate foreign visitors.