Eiffel Tower CEO Resigns After Probe Confirms Discriminatory Staffing for Hindu Delegation

Key points

• Patrick Branco Ruivo, who has led SETE since 2018, announced his departure at the end of the year following an internal inquiry into the September 5 incident.
• The investigation found 'operational flaws and shortcomings' that resulted in the 'unacceptable' removal of female employees, who were replaced by men or asked to stay in separate rooms.
• The incident triggered a one-day strike on September 7, forcing the closure of the Eiffel Tower, which receives approximately 7 million visitors annually.
• SETE chair Ariel Weil stated that the organization has requested the creation of a dedicated protocol department and the implementation of new training programs to promote gender equality.
• Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire condemned the decision as 'absurd, unjust and unacceptable' and ordered two separate probes into the matter.

Background

The Eiffel Tower had previously closed for six days in February 2024 due to a strike over maintenance and wages. The current controversy follows a series of earlier closures in September 2026 related to the BAPS visit, where staff protested the sidelining of women. The landmark reopened after the initial walkout, but the leadership change is the latest development in the ongoing fallout from that incident.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and BBC emphasize the resignation as a direct consequence of the internal probe confirming discriminatory practices. Le Monde highlights the broader political context, noting that the incident united French politicians across the spectrum in condemning the violation of republican equality principles. France 24 focuses on the operational response, detailing SETE's commitment to new training and protocol measures. While all sources agree on the facts of the staff exclusion and the CEO's departure, they differ in emphasis: The Guardian and BBC frame it as a failure of leadership, while Le Monde and France 24 frame it as a systemic issue requiring structural reform. BAPS has apologized for 'any pain or inconvenience caused,' but critics continue to describe the group's practices as discriminatory.

Why it matters

The resignation of the Eiffel Tower's chief signals a significant shift in how France's most iconic landmark manages its public image and adherence to secular, egalitarian values. It highlights the tension between accommodating religious visitors and upholding strict gender equality standards in public institutions. The incident has also drawn international attention to the activities of the BAPS movement, which has ties to Indian political leadership, and has prompted a broader review of protocols for official visits at major French cultural sites.

What to watch

SETE is expected to prepare for a leadership transition in the coming months, with Ariel Weil overseeing the implementation of new gender equality training and a dedicated protocol department. The resignation of Patrick Branco Ruivo is set to take effect at the end of 2026. Further investigations ordered by Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire may yield additional findings regarding the planning of the September 5 visit.