Two climate activists from the “Food Riposte” group recently staged a protest at the Louvre Museum in Paris, throwing soup at the glass that protects the iconic Mona Lisa painting. Their aim was advocating for a sustainable food system. The protest was captured and shared on social media, where the activists voiced their demand for the right to a healthy and sustainable food system over art. They criticized the French government for its failure to fulfill its climate commitments.
The protest was held against the backdrop of ongoing farmer protests in France. Farmers across the country have been rallying for better remuneration, reduced bureaucracy, and protection against cheap imports that threaten their livelihoods. The activists echoed these sentiments, arguing that the current farming system is failing and that farmers are dying at work. They proposed alternatives such as a state-sponsored health care system equivalent for better access to healthy food and a fair income.
Despite the rigorous security measures at the Louvre Museum, the climate activists managed to bypass a security barrier to get closer to the Mona Lisa. Following the incident, Louvre staff were forced to place black panels in front of the painting and evacuate the room. The Paris police subsequently arrested the two individuals involved in the protest.
The “Food Riposte” group has been vocal in blaming the French government for not meeting its climate commitments. They have called for significant changes in the food production and distribution system in order to create a more sustainable future.
The new French Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, has acknowledged the farmers’ plight. He has promised short, middle, and long term solutions, including measures against “unfair competition” from countries with different production rules. These commitments, if fulfilled, could mark a significant step towards achieving the sustainable food system that the “Food Riposte” group and the French farmers are advocating for.
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