Built by Gustav Eiffel in the late 19th century, the 324-meter (1,063 ft) tall iron tower is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, welcoming nearly six million visitors each year.
However, confidential reports from experts cited by Marianne indicate that the monument is in poor condition and rusty.
“It’s easy, if Gustav Eiffel visits the place he will have a heart attack,” an anonymous manager at the tower told Mariana.
The company that oversees the tower, the Society d’Explotation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), could not immediately be reached for comment.
In preparation for the 2024 Olympics, the tower is currently being repainted at a cost of 60 million euros, the 20th time the tower has been repainted.
About 30% of the tower was believed to have been demolished and then two new coats were applied but work was delayed due to the covid epidemic and the presence of lead in the old paint meant only 5% would be treated, Marian said.
SETE is reluctant to close the tower for long because it will lose tourist revenue, he adds.
