Greta Thunberg delivered a passionate speech during a pro-Palestine protest in Rome on November 29, 2025, where she sharply criticized the Italian government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This public demonstration occurred just days after Thunberg faced a ban from Venice following a controversial protest action in which eco-friendly dye was released into the Grand Canal.
Speaking to a large crowd gathered outside the historic Colosseum, Thunberg did not hold back in her condemnation. She described the Italian government as “f****** fascist” and expressed her feelings of being “physically repulsed” by the political leadership she associates with war crimes. The activist emphasized Italy’s complicity in what she termed a “genocide,” citing the nation’s financial and military support for Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Thunberg’s remarks resonated with the assembled protestors, many of whom held signs denouncing Meloni’s government and advocating for Palestinian rights. She urged the crowd to persist in their activism, encouraging them to “continue boycotting, blocking, organizing.” Her speech was met with enthusiastic cheers, highlighting the crowd’s alignment with her views.
The backdrop to Thunberg’s impassioned speech includes her recent legal troubles. On November 24, she was fined €150 (approximately £130) and banned from Venice for 48 hours after participating in protests organized by Extinction Rebellion. During these protests, activists released environmentally harmless dye into the Grand Canal, turning its waters green to draw attention to climate issues.
The protest in Rome coincided with the conclusion of the Cop30 United Nations climate conference in Belém, Brazil, where nations struggled to reach agreements on phasing out fossil fuels. In a broader context, Extinction Rebellion coordinated protests across Italy to bring attention to climate change and its intersections with global conflicts.
Thunberg’s involvement in the protests has also extended to the contentious issue of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Earlier in September, Meloni had urged Thunberg to cease her efforts with the “Freedom Flotilla,” which sought to deliver aid to the region. The Italian Prime Minister expressed concerns that such actions could disrupt a delicate peace process aimed at stabilizing the region.
In her statements, Meloni framed the flotilla’s mission as a potential catalyst for escalating conflict, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a fragile balance in the region. She referred to proposals aimed at delivering aid without inciting further tensions, indicating the complexities surrounding humanitarian efforts in conflict zones.
The tension between Thunberg and the Italian government highlights the broader discourse on climate activism and international relations. As protests continue and calls for accountability grow louder, the actions of activists like Thunberg remain in the spotlight, drawing attention to urgent global issues.
