The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and France, is once again facing controversy – but this time, the concern isn’t about its design. Instead, it’s about its preservation and the ongoing feud between the city council and the company entrusted with its upkeep.
A Symbol in Peril?
The Eiffel Tower, once criticized as “useless and monstrous”, is now facing accusations of neglect. Union workers and the French government are expressing alarm over the tower’s deteriorating condition. They claim that Paris is failing to maintain this beloved national treasure, risking its future.
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In February, a strike by workers forced the closure of the tower for six days – the second such incident since December. The unions have threatened to resume their protests during the Olympic Games, a time when Paris expects over 15 million visitors.
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“Employees see day-by-day that the tower is rusting, and that [this] could become irreversible,” explains union representative Alexandre Leborgne. The tower’s original creator, Gustave Eiffel, mandated that the monument undergo restoration and repainting every seven years. However, the last round of renovations was completed 14 years ago. Work began in 2019 but was delayed by the pandemic and the discovery of worrisome lead levels in the original paint, necessitating extensive stripping before repainting could proceed.
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To date, only 30% of the tower has been repainted. The extensive lead monitoring has increased annual running costs from €50 million to €92 million, and could reach a staggering €130 million. The unions also decry the state of the infrastructure, citing long wait times – up to three hours – for ticketed visitors.
A Clash of Interests
These problems stem largely from a bitter dispute between the city council and the company responsible for managing the Eiffel Tower. The company suffered significant financial losses during the Covid-19 lockdown, prompting them to consider raising ticket prices by 20% during the Olympics to recoup some of their losses.
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The unions, however, are skeptical of the company’s commitment to maintenance. They point to a contract signed with the city that includes a significant increase in fees owed to the council – a move they consider “unrealistic and jeopardizing the maintenance budget”. While they negotiated a reduction in this fee, it still represents a significant portion of the tower’s revenue.
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Adding to the tension, the company’s financial performance has been inconsistent. The unions point out that the company has only generated profits twice in the last nine years.
A National Debate
The Eiffel Tower’s maintenance woes have become a national talking point. French tourism minister Olivia Grégoire has publicly criticized the state of the monument, calling the situation “disastrous”. She accused the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, of neglecting this symbol of France while traveling the world. Grégoire also expressed concern about the dilapidated state of the park surrounding the tower and the rise in crime around the landmark, including pickpocketing.
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While the deputy mayor for tourism, Frédéric Hocquard, downplayed the concerns about crime, he did promise increased police presence during the Olympics. However, the president of the Eiffel Tower management company, Jean-François Martins, is calling for “permanent police protection” citing safety concerns for visitors and employees.
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The debate has also escalated to the highest levels of government. France’s new culture minister, Rachida Dati, has proposed classifying the Eiffel Tower and its park as a historical monument, which would empower the state to order emergency works.
A Towering Challenge
The Eiffel Tower, a global icon, is facing a serious crisis. The dispute between the city council and the management company is threatening the tower’s future, leaving its fate uncertain. It remains to be seen if the various stakeholders can find a solution that balances financial interests with the preservation of this cherished landmark.
