Parisians are split over the decision by the mayor of the French capital, Anne Hidalgo, to keep the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower.
The iconic symbol of the Olympics – the five interlocked rings – were placed on the Eiffel Tower in July, before the Olympic Games were held in Paris. Each ring is 29m wide, 15m high, and weighs 30 tonnes. They were expected to be removed on 8 September, to coincide with the closing ceremony of the Paralympics. However, Hidalgo has said that she wants to keep the rings on the Eiffel Tower “indefinitely”.
Hidalgo said the Olympics had helped the French fall in love with their capital again and she wanted this “festive spirit” to remain.
Parisians are reportedly split over Hidalgo’s plan, with some saying it adds colour to the city, while others believe the mayor should have consulted residents before making her decision.