Eiffel Tower chief stepping down over removal of women staff for Hindu group’s visit

The director general of the Eiffel Tower, Patrick Branco Ruivo, will step down at the end of the year following a controversy. An internal probe found "operational flaws and shortcomings" in the organization of a visit by a Hindu religious group. These issues led to the "unacceptable" removal of women staff. The operating company confirmed Ruivo's departure after an investigation into the incident.

The head of the company operating the Eiffel Tower, SETE chair Ariel Weil, will step down following an incident where female staff were reportedly removed during a religious visit by the BAPS Hindu organization earlier this month. The Eiffel Tower closed as staff went on strike to protest the alleged removal, which politicians condemned as unacceptable. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of France's National Assembly, stated her refusal to allow women to be compelled to step aside for foreign visitors. The Socialist mayor of Paris, Emmanuel Gregoire, called the decision absurd and unjust, initiating two investigations. BAPS apologized for any pain caused, emphasizing their belief in universal values of mutual respect and service. Weil announced his departure, stating his request for gender equality measures and training programs to be implemented.