The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris has shut its doors to visitors on Thursday due to a nationwide strike, marking a significant disruption in the country’s tourism and public life. Nearly 200,000 protesters gathered across more than 200 towns and cities, demanding higher taxes on the wealthy and opposing government spending cuts. This marks the first time in a month that France has seen three consecutive days of strikes without a functioning budget, according to the CGT, one of the country’s largest trade unions. The French Interior Ministry reported over 24,000 protesters in Paris alone, with the CGT condemning the situation as a result of ‘social anger.’
The U.S. Embassy in France issued travel advisories, urging tourists to avoid the areas of the demonstrations and to monitor transportation schedules closely. The closure of the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of French culture, has raised concerns about the economic impact of the strikes, particularly given the site’s previous record of over 6.3 million visitors in 2024. The strike comes just months after similar closures at the Louvre due to employee strikes, further intensifying public frustration with over-tourism and budget mismanagement. Employees at the Louvre had previously cited concerns over the city’s underestimated maintenance costs ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics. This incident underscores the broader challenges France faces in balancing public service demands with economic sustainability.
The Eiffel Tower has not announced a reopening date, leaving both locals and international visitors in uncertainty. The situation highlights the potential ripple effects of such large-scale protests on France’s tourism industry and national pride. Meanwhile, the government faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of its citizens while maintaining economic stability. The closure of such an iconic landmark also emphasizes the growing influence of public unrest on major cultural and economic institutions in France.