The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris, has regained its familiar appearance after workers removed the Olympic rings that adorned it during the 2024 Summer Games. However, the debate over the rings’ future continues, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo proposing their return as a tribute to the successful Olympics.
The 30-tonne steel rings, installed in June, were removed in the early hours of Friday using multiple large cranes. They will be melted down and recycled. Hidalgo’s proposal to erect new, lighter rings has sparked controversy, with descendants of the tower’s designer, Gustave Eiffel, and conservation groups expressing opposition.
Initially suggesting the rings be permanent, Hidalgo has since proposed they remain until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Deputy Paris Mayor Pierre Rabadan stated that the new rings, funded by the International Olympic Committee, would be less prominent than the originals.
Some Parisians support the idea of replacing the rings, seeing them as a reminder of the city’s Olympic triumph. However, others believe the tower should be preserved in its original form, free from advertising. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has also expressed concerns about the proposal’s impact on the tower’s historic status.
Beyond the Olympic rings, Hidalgo aims to retain other symbols of the Games, such as the cauldron at the Louvre and statues of women in the Seine. However, conservation groups urge the city to prioritize maintenance of the Eiffel Tower, which has faced issues with disrepair.
The removal of the Olympic rings marks a return to normalcy for the Eiffel Tower, but the debate over their future is far from over. Hidalgo’s proposal to reinstall them as a tribute to the Olympics remains a contentious issue, balancing the desire to commemorate a historic event with the preservation of a beloved landmark.
