A Hindu group recently visited the Eiffel Tower and did something that angered the French people.
According to Reuters report on September 7th, union representatives said that last weekend, during a visit by Hindu religious delegates to the Eiffel Tower, the female employees at the Eiffel Tower were asked to temporarily move away from sight. This led to protests by the employees and caused criticism from French politicians.
Currently, the City of Paris has launched an investigation into this incident.
According to reports, on the 5th local time, a Hindu delegation of about 100 people visited the Eiffel Tower as a private event.
Union representative Diane Davion told Reuters: "When the delegation passed by, the female workers were asked to leave their workstations so that the male workers could take their places. Tensions increased over the weekend, so this morning, the employees decided to hold a meeting: first, to talk with management; second, to ensure that no more women will be treated in this way in the future."
On the 7th of local time, a sign at the bottom of the Eiffel Tower read: "Due to operational reasons, the tower's opening hours have been postponed."
Davon said that the management has apologized to the employees regarding this matter.
On the 3rd, Hindus participated in a religious ceremony in front of the Eiffel Tower. French media reported on this event.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Le Maire stated that an investigation will be conducted "as soon as possible". He posted on the social media platform X, saying that he understands the employees' anger and believes their dissatisfaction is legitimate. "The priority is to uncover the truth behind this protest."
BAPS organization claims in a statement that due to the large size of the delegation, trip arrangements to visit the Eiffel Tower were scheduled during open hours to avoid disrupting others. The statement reads: "To our knowledge, nobody has been prevented from entering the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, we express sincere apologies for any inconvenience or suffering caused."
French National Assembly Speaker Yael Blouin-Piwe wrote on a X website: "Welcoming others does not mean giving up our values. In France, women are fully involved in public life. No one demands that they hide from the public."
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is a hot candidate for the presidential election next year. She also stated her views on this issue, saying that France “will never accept any situation where women are ‘restricted’.”
