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Two leading French politicians are at war over the future of the “rusting” Eiffel Tower. The structure — built by engineer Gustave Eiffel in 1889 and initially intended to be only temporary — has become a defining symbol of Paris in the ensuing decades. But now it is at the centre of a dispute between two of France’s most charismatic politicians, The Times of London reported.
In one corner is Anne Hidalgo, the socialist mayor of Paris, and in the other is the right-wing culture minister Rachida Dati. They are at odds over the heritage status of the tower, with Dati and her supporters insisting it should be designated a national monument to better preserve it amid signs of rust and flaking paint.
But Hidalgo has denied the tower is in poor condition and claims Dati is merely agitating to have her replaced as mayor of the French capital. Observers note that classifying the tower as a national monument would give Dati’s ministry a more powerful say in its future.
It would also open the door to state subsidies for renovations to the tower, which was denounced on its completion as “useless and monstrous.” Eiffel had suggested the tower be repainted every seven years, but its last full restoration was in 2010. A new paint job began in 2019 but was derailed by the pandemic and then the Olympic Games.
Critics say the tower is rusting while the decision-makers dicker. One heritage association said it is undergoing a “major process of corrosion.” Carine Chaix, of La France en Partage, said: “Experts have judged that the current maintenance works are insufficient to ensure satisfactory protection.” Council officials have said the rust is “strictly superficial” and that the wrought iron in the tower is otherwise in excellent condition.