Patrick Branco Ruivo, who has led the Eiffel Tower since 2018, will step down as director general at the end of 2026 after a controversy erupted over the removal of female staff during a visit by a Hindu religious group.
SETE, the company that manages the monument, said an internal investigation found that operational flaws and shortcomings led to the “unacceptable” replacement of female employees with male colleagues during a visit by a delegation of about 100 people from the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
BAPS, a movement that strictly separates men and women in temple activities and building entrances, had requested that the visit be organised so as to limit “interactions with women.” SETE said that “these conditions should not have been accepted.”
A staff union representative said women were asked to leave their places of work and felt “humiliated,” while staff said female employees were instructed not to go through or cross certain areas while the delegation was present.
The incident prompted a strike by staff, the closure of the tower, and condemnation from politicians. Yaël Braun‑Pivet, president of France’s National Assembly, said she would not allow women to be compelled to step aside to meet the demands of foreign visitors. Socialist mayor Emmanuel Grégoire called the decision “absurd, unjust and unacceptable” and ordered two separate investigations.
SETE chair Ariel Weil said he had requested measures and training programmes promoting gender equality to be implemented. “The coming months will allow us to prepare for the leadership transition under the best possible conditions,” he added.
BAPS apologised “for any pain or inconvenience caused” and stated that it believes in universal values of mutual respect and service.
Ruivo’s resignation follows a broader debate over the relevance of 18th‑century beliefs that segregate men and women in contemporary society.
Stakeholders will watch how the Eiffel Tower’s management addresses gender‑equality concerns in the coming months.
