In brief
Patrick Branco Ruivo is set to resign as director general of SETE, the company that runs the Eiffel Tower, amid a backlash over the forced removal of female staff to cater to a BAPS Hindu delegation. An internal review highlighted operational failures that led to “unacceptable” gender segregation, prompting strikes and a temporary closure of the landmark. Paris officials, including the National Assembly President and the mayor, condemned the act and ordered investigations. The incident has reignited debates over religious accommodations versus gender‑equality principles in public spaces.
Eiffel Tower’s CEO resigns after female staff were forced to step aside for a BAPS Hindu delegation, triggering protests and political outcry.
Patrick Branco Ruivo will leave his post as director general of SETE, the company that runs the Eiffel Tower, the week after the company permitted a 100‑person BAPS delegation to dictate gender‑separated access that saw female employees moved out of the tower’s public areas.
The internal investigation said operational shortcomings “made possible” the removal of women and that staff were “asked to leave their places of work” and “instructed not to go through certain areas.”
Workers went on strike, the tower closed and Paris politicians – including the National Assembly president and city mayor – condemned the practice, ordered separate investigations and called for gender‑equality training.
BAPS apologised “for any pain or inconvenience caused” and reiterated it stands for mutual respect, but critics say that the 18th‑century‑based gender segregation contradicts modern anti‑discrimination values.
SETE chairman Ariel Weil said new measures would be put in place “to promote gender equality” before the leadership transition at year’s end.
