The operating company of the Eiffel Tower, SETE, announced on Tuesday that its chief, Patrick Branco Ruivo, will step down at the end of the year. This decision comes after an internal probe revealed "operational flaws and shortcomings" in organizing a visit by a Hindu religious group, leading to the removal of women staff. The incident sparked outrage in France, with politicians denouncing an attack on fundamental liberties.
The controversy began on September 3, when members of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu monks participated in a religious ceremony in front of the Eiffel Tower. During a visit by the group, female staff were removed, prompting a walkout by staff on September 8 in protest. BAPS is a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect, a conservative branch of Hinduism, with ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The incident attracted scrutiny of BAPS's activities and sparked debate among French politicians and the Indian diaspora. The Hindu group offered "sincere apologies to anyone who may have been hurt or inconvenienced by this situation." The group had been holding celebrations to mark the inauguration of a traditional Hindu stone temple near the French capital.
An internal investigation by SETE found that the removal of women staff was "unacceptable" and attributed it to "operational flaws and shortcomings" in organizing the visit. The company has since taken steps to address the issue, with Ariel Weil, chair of SETE, requesting measures and training programs promoting gender equality to be implemented.
Patrick Branco Ruivo has been in charge of the Paris landmark since 2018. His departure was announced by SETE on Tuesday, along with the findings of the internal probe. The Eiffel Tower is an iconic 330-meter (1,083-foot) landmark that attracts millions of visitors each year.
The incident has highlighted the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The French government has been keen to promote gender equality and has implemented various measures to address the issue. The Eiffel Tower's management has also faced criticism for its handling of the situation.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the activities of Hindu groups in France and their ties to Indian politics. The Indian diaspora in France has been divided over the issue, with some supporting BAPS and others criticizing the group's actions. The incident has also raised questions about the relationship between France and India.
Key points
- Eiffel Tower chief to step down over staff removal controversy
- Incident sparked outrage in France and scrutiny of BAPS's activities
- SETE to implement measures promoting gender equality
