Paris city authorities are investigating claims that female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to leave their posts during a visit by a Hindu delegation. The incident has sparked staff protests and criticism from French politicians.
The incident raises concerns about discrimination and adherence to French values of equality in public spaces, prompting political condemnation and official investigation.
Female employees at the Eiffel Tower were allegedly asked to leave their workstations during a private visit by a Hindu delegation on Saturday, according to union representatives. The incident has led to staff protests and an investigation by Paris city authorities.
The monument's opening was delayed on Monday as employees held a meeting to discuss the incident. Union representative Diane Davoine stated that women were asked to leave so men could take their places. Management has since apologized to the staff.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire acknowledged the employees' anger and stated that an investigation would be launched to shed light on the facts. Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, criticized the alleged demands, emphasizing that welcoming visitors should not compromise French values of equality and women's presence in public life.
The delegation was in France for festivities related to the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the Paris suburbs. Spokespeople for the Hindu group BAPS and the Eiffel Tower operating company SETE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.