While the grand celebration of the Paralympics is in full swing, thoughts are already turning to the aftermath on the Paris City Hall side. The latest idea to prolong the magic of sport in the capital? Leaving the Olympic rings hanging from the Eiffel Tower even after the Games are over. An idea that is somewhat divisive, particularly on the side of heritage lovers, and especially among the heirs of Gustave Eiffel.
The Olympic rings set to stay on the Eiffel Tower
This Saturday, August 31, Anne Hidalgo gave an interview to Ouest-France, during which the Mayor of Paris gave an update on the city during this period of the Games. And among the statements that attracted the most attention was that of the maintien des anneaux olympiques sur la Tour Eiffel. Indeed, the politician assured her: “I want this festive spirit to remain! (…) The rings will remain on the Eiffel Tower permanently.”
A first in the history of the Games, this measure did not meet with unanimous approval among Parisians. On the one hand, those who can’t get enough of the Olympic magic and are delighted that the symbol has been retained. On the other, and notably on the side of Gustave Eiffel’s heirs, they stress that the monument has a “broader vocation than that of being associated with the Olympic Games.” The latter would then like the tower to return to its natural state once the festivities are over.
A petition has even been launched to say no to the permanent Olympic rings, which has already gathered almost 3,000 signatures. It remains to be seen who will get to the bottom of this.