Controversy Erupts Over Plan to Keep Olympic Rings on Eiffel Tower

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's decision faces backlash from heritage advocates and descendants of Gustave Eiffel.

Critics argue the rings turn the Eiffel Tower into an 'advertising outpost'.
Hidalgo insists she has the authority and IOC agreement to keep the rings.
Heritage groups and some Parisians demand the monument return to its original state.
The Eiffel Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is protected by strict architectural laws.
A petition opposing the plan has quickly gained thousands of signatures.