The Paris Olympic Games are fast approaching, and yet the Eiffel Tower finds itself closed due to a continuing strike. The unions point the finger at the financial management of Paris town hall, accused of endangering the sustainability of the emblematic monument.
This unexpected closure highlights existing tensions within the Eiffel Tower Operating Company (Sete). The CGT and Force Ouvrière (FO) unions are demanding greater financial transparency from the municipality of Paris, majority shareholder of Sete. They call for responsibility from the town hall to ensure a stable future for the Iron Lady.
The strike, which was already called last December, raises questions about the viability of the current economic model of the Eiffel Tower. The unions denounce an undervaluation of works budgets and an overvaluation of revenues, making the operation of the structure “untenable”. The health crisis linked to the pandemic has also had a major impact on the monument’s finances, with a significant drop in ticket revenue.
The situation is all the more worrying as signs of corrosion are visible on the Eiffel Tower, despite the restoration work in progress. The unions are calling for the creation of a special endowment fund to anticipate future expenses and guarantee the preservation of the monument for decades to come.
This strike, which comes a few months before the Paris Olympic Games, underlines the importance of managing the jewels of French heritage in a responsible and transparent manner. It is crucial to ensure the sustainability of the Eiffel Tower, the emblematic symbol of the capital, for future generations.
Learn more:
– [Eiffel Tower: 5 unusual facts to know](article 1 link)
– [The fascinating history of the construction of the Eiffel Tower](article 2 link)
– [The essential places to visit in Paris](article 3 link)