Decisions on making changes to historical monuments always spark heated debate in society. There are those who embrace progress, even if it means altering the appearance of a wonder like the Eiffel Tower. Others, however, are more hesitant, believers in tradition, and are scandalised by the idea of "disfiguring" the natural beauty of such landmarks.

An opinion that contrasts with the stance of Paris’ deputy mayor and former athlete, Pierre Rabadan, who, as a proponent of renovation, revealed plans on Tuesday to permanently display the Olympic logo on the Eiffel Tower. He asserted that the rings would not “disfigure the beloved monument,” located at the edge of the Champ de Mars by the banks of the River Seine.

The idea of altering this symbol of France and its capital, the city's tallest structure and the most visited tourist landmark in the world, has caused quite a stir in the French metropolis. The plan has been harshly criticised by the descendants of the tower's designer, Gustave Eiffel, causing considerable unrest. As a result, it is expected that the proposed addition will face complex regulations designed to protect historic buildings, leaving the decision hanging in the balance.

“The idea is to make permanent the events Paris has experienced," explained deputy mayor Pierre Rabadan to AFP. Rabadan, responsible for sports and an Olympic enthusiast, is keen to immortalise the successful summer of the Paris Games with the iconic five interlocked coloured rings arranged in two rows, representing the continents. “The Olympic Games are also a symbol of peace and fraternity, and whether people like it or not, they have left a mark on the history of the city and probably on the history of the Olympic movement,” Rabadan added, firm in his defence of the city council’s proposal.

Rabadan sought to make his position clear by providing a compelling justification: the logo “does not alter the architecture of the tower.” He went on to explain that, in his view, “the tower continues to evolve with time,” referencing the addition of a new telecommunications antenna to the top of the "Iron Lady" two years ago.

“The idea is for the rings to be visible when we want them to be, and at other times they won’t be as prominent,” explained the former rugby player, now a politician, to AFP. Unsurprisingly, opposition to the idea has quickly emerged, with critics making plenty of noise. They launched a petition on Change.org, which has garnered over 35,000 signatures to halt the renovation plans. "When decisions like this are made, you always face criticism from people who don't want things to change," Rabadan said. “We’re not going to disfigure anything,” he concluded, dismissing the fierce criticism from detractors.

In an attempt to offer a compromise, which remains in line with the city council’s thinking, the head of the administrative body, mayor Anne Hidalgo, announced on Saturday that she intended to remove the five rings, stating they are “too heavy” to remain hanging from the monument. Instead, she proposed replacing them with “new, lighter versions.”

For its part, the Association of Descendants of Gustave Eiffel opposed the move, as they believe it reduces a wonder into nothing more than an “advertising space.” The association, comprised of the renowned designer’s relatives, as well as Parisian opposition MPs and councillors, urged Hidalgo to consult more broadly with Parisians and those living near the tower before deciding the future of the city, which is still unsure whether its most iconic symbol will undergo a significant makeover.