Greta Thunberg launched a passionate critique of the Italian government during a pro-Palestine protest in Rome on November 29, 2025. The climate activist’s remarks came just days after she was banned from Venice for her involvement in a protest that included dumping environmentally harmless dye into the Grand Canal.
Thunberg’s Stinging Remarks
During her address to a packed crowd outside the iconic Colosseum, Thunberg described Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni‘s administration as “f****** fascist” and expressed her disgust at what she termed “war criminals in charge.” She stated, “I feel physically repulsed every time I think about the war criminals in charge, including your fascist f****** government.” Her speech resonated with the audience, eliciting cheers and applause as they rallied for the Palestinian cause.
Thunberg’s remarks highlighted her belief that Italy is complicit in what she termed “genocide” due to its political and military support for Israel. “Italy is one of the most complicit countries in this genocide,” she asserted, calling for continued activism, including protests and boycotts. “You have a responsibility to continue showing up on the streets, to continue boycotting, blocking, organizing,” she urged the crowd.
Context of the Protest
The protest coincided with a series of actions by Extinction Rebellion, which targeted multiple sites across Italy to coincide with the conclusion of the COP30 United Nations climate conference in Belém, Brazil. Activists had unsuccessfully sought agreements to phase out fossil fuels during the conference. Thunberg’s participation in the Venice demonstration, where activists turned the Grand Canal green, had resulted in her being fined €150 (£130) and facing a 48-hour restriction on entering the city.
In her speech, Thunberg also expressed solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla, a coalition of activists attempting to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. This group includes lawmakers, lawyers, and activists, all aiming to deliver humanitarian aid. Thunberg has previously faced significant challenges, including deportation from Israel during a similar mission in June.
The Italian Prime Minister has previously criticized Thunberg’s actions, suggesting that her “Freedom Flotilla” could disrupt the fragile balance in the region. In a statement on social media, Meloni urged the flotilla to cease its mission to avoid exacerbating the conflict in Gaza.
As protests continue across Europe, Thunberg’s vocal stance against governmental policies and military actions highlights the intersection of climate activism and global political issues. Her passionate appeal in Rome reinforces the urgency many activists feel regarding both environmental and humanitarian crises.
