The Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, wants the Olympic rings to stay on the Eiffel Tower after the Paralympic Games end this weekend.
The rings, which were put up to celebrate the Olympics and Paralympics, are currently displayed on the famous landmark. While some people like the idea, others argue that the rings should be removed as planned.
The Olympic rings, which are 29 meters wide and weigh 30 tonnes, were added to the Eiffel Tower before the Olympics in July. Originally, they were supposed to be taken down after the Games, but Mayor Hidalgo announced plans to replace them with lighter versions that would stay on the tower. She believes the rings help keep the festive spirit alive and represent the French people’s renewed love for Paris.
However, the decision has sparked debate.
Heritage campaigners and the descendants of the Eiffel Tower’s designer, Gustave Eiffel, disagree with the idea, saying the rings do not belong on the iconic monument permanently. They argue that such a decision should involve discussions with Parisians, as the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, attracting around seven million visitors each year.
