In a surprising move during the peak tourist season, the Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of Paris and a globally renowned attraction, was closed to visitors owing to a strike by its employees, as confirmed by the operating company.

The employee strike, lasting for a day, coincided with the centenary of the death of engineer Gustave Eiffel and occurred amidst the bustling year-end holiday season. The General Trade Confederation (CGT) union, representing the striking workers, voiced dissatisfaction with the current management of the site's operating company, SETE.

The union's statement criticized the management's pursuit of an overly ambitious economic model, deeming it unsustainable. The basis for this criticism lies in what the union perceives as an exaggerated evaluation of the business budget, relying on annual attendance targets of 7.4 million visitors, a figure deemed unprecedented. In 2022, the Eiffel Tower hosted approximately 5.9 million visitors, according to figures from the operating company -- a notable increase since 2019 and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CGT union specifically highlighted a substantial surge in the costs associated with maintenance and restoration work on the historic landmark. The union expressed concern over the financial strain imposed on the operating company, estimating the projected costs of upcoming work at around 352 million euros—a significant increase of 128 million euros since 2019.

Built in 1889 for the Paris World Fair, the Eiffel Tower swiftly became an emblem of France and its capital. The unexpected closure during a peak period of tourism raises questions about the management and financial sustainability of one of the world's most famous landmarks.