Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced plans on Friday to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower until at least 2028, despite facing criticism from some residents, lawmakers, and conservationists. The rings, a symbol of the Olympic Games, were installed on the iconic monument ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and have become a popular feature for tourists.
During a press conference, Hidalgo stated her intention to retain the rings on the tower until the Los Angeles Games in 2028, adding that the decision to keep them afterward would be reconsidered. “Perhaps after 2028, they’ll stay, and maybe they won’t. Let’s see,” she said.
The proposal has sparked backlash, with some opposition lawmakers and local conservation groups opposing the idea. The descendants of the Eiffel Tower’s designer, Gustave Eiffel, also voiced their disapproval, stating that the Olympic symbol detracts from the monument, which has represented Paris and France for over 135 years.
Deputy Mayor Pierre Rabadan confirmed that Hidalgo’s aim was to permanently keep the rings on the tower, despite objections. Additionally, Hidalgo mentioned that the Paralympic Games logo, currently displayed on the Arc de Triomphe, will be moved to a new location along the Champs-Elysées after the Games conclude.
Critics have accused Hidalgo of pushing through the decision without proper consultation with the city’s council or residents. However, she defended her decision, asserting, “When you’re mayor, you take decisions because you are legitimate to take them.”
The Eiffel Tower, owned by the city of Paris and a protected monument, complicates the process of keeping the rings in place. The current version of the rings is too heavy to remain permanently, and the International Olympic Committee is funding a technical study to create a lighter design that could be safely installed on the landmark.
As discussions continue, the future of the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower remains uncertain, with opposition groups pushing back against the mayor’s plans.
