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Watch: Climate activists throw soup at glass-protected Mona Lisa painting
Climate activists throw soup at glass-protected Mona Lisa painting. Video here
Two climate activists tossed soup at the protective glass surrounding the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday.
Advocating for a sustainable food system, the activists, wearing t-shirts with "FOOD RIPOSTE" written on them, shouted (in French): “What’s the most important thing? Art, or right to a healthy and sustainable food?” “Our farming system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work,” they added.
They had manoeuvred under a security barrier to approach the painting closely and were subsequently escorted away by Louvre security guards.
The staff later put black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and asked visitors to move out of the room.
Why do activists throw soup on Mona Lisa painting?
The "Food Riposte" group, on its website, accused the French government of failing to uphold its climate commitments and urged the authorities of a system similar to the country's state-sponsored healthcare. This, they argued, would improve public access to healthy food and ensure farmers receive a fair income.
Expressing frustration over low wages and bureaucratic hurdles, French farmers have employed tractors to create road blockades, causing traffic disruptions nationwide. Their demands encompass better compensation for agricultural products, reduced bureaucratic complexities, and safeguards against cheap imports. Additionally, they protested by depositing agricultural waste at government office entrances.
Despite the government's announcement of certain measures on Friday, the farmers contend that their demands, such as the significant simplification of technical procedures and the gradual elimination of diesel fuel taxes for farm vehicles, have not been adequately addressed. In response, some farmers are considering converging on Paris, starting Monday, to block major roads leading to the capital.
(Inputs from wires)
