Paris: Patrick Branco Ruivo, CEO of the company that operates the Eiffel Tower, SETE (Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel), will step down from his position at the end of this year. His decision comes after a major controversy in which female employees were reportedly removed from their workstations and replaced by male staff during an official visit by representatives of a Hindu religious organization. The move drew sharp criticism from French politicians, civil society groups and Eiffel Tower employees, following which an internal investigation was launched. What Was the Controversy About? The incident was linked to an official visit by a delegation from a Hindu religious group to the Eiffel Tower complex. Allegations of female employees being removed: Eiffel Tower employees and unions alleged that female staff on duty were asked to leave their regular workstations because of the delegation's reported preferences or requests, with male employees assigned in their place. Anger among employees: The decision reportedly caused considerable dissatisfaction among Eiffel Tower workers. Employees described it as contrary to principles of gender equality, personal dignity and France's secular and workplace values. Political criticism: Several senior French politicians and Paris city officials also publicly criticized the move and called for an impartial investigation into the matter. Internal Investigation Found an “Unacceptable Situation” According to an official statement issued by SETE, Patrick Branco Ruivo, who has served as the Eiffel Tower's director general since 2018, will leave his position at the end of this year. The company's internal investigation reportedly found: Administrative failures: The inquiry identified “serious operational shortcomings and deficiencies” in the management and security arrangements for the delegation's visit. An unacceptable decision: The report concluded that these organizational failures resulted in an “unacceptable situation,” including the removal of female employees from their duties. The report said such an action was inconsistent with the company's workplace culture and policy principles. Reputation Crisis for a Paris Landmark Under Patrick Branco Ruivo's leadership, the Eiffel Tower had managed several major international events and record tourist footfall in recent years. However, the controversy has raised questions about whether workplace principles relating to gender equality were compromised in the name of commercial or diplomatic considerations.
