In a surprising incident at the Louvre Museum in Paris, two climate activists took an unconventional approach to draw attention to the urgent need for a sustainable food system. On Sunday, these activists hurled soup at the protective glass surrounding the iconic Mona Lisa painting, while advocating for a healthier and more sustainable approach to food production.
In a video shared on social media, the two women, with 'FOOD RIPOSTE' emblazoned on their t-shirts, were seen breaching security barriers and launching soup at the glass protecting Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece. 'What's the most important thing?' they shouted. 'Art or the right to a healthy and sustainable food?'
Their act of protest did not go unnoticed, as the Louvre employees swiftly responded by placing black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and evacuating visitors from the room. Paris police later confirmed the arrest of two individuals involved in the incident.
The activists are part of the 'Food Riposte' group, which claims that the French government is failing to uphold its climate commitments. They argue for the establishment of a state-sponsored health care system equivalent for providing better access to nutritious food for all citizens and ensuring farmers receive a fair income.
This act of protest coincides with ongoing demonstrations by French farmers, who have been mobilizing to address various issues affecting their livelihoods. These concerns include low wages, excessive bureaucracy, protection against cheap imports, and the need for better remuneration for their produce. In recent days, farmers have utilized their tractors to set up road blockades and disrupt traffic across the country, while also dumping agricultural waste at government office entrances.
In response to the farmers' protests, the French government announced a series of measures on Friday. However, many farmers argue that these actions do not fully address their demands. The provided measures include simplifying certain technical procedures and phasing out diesel fuel taxes for farming vehicles.
In an attempt to understand the farmers' grievances, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal visited a farm in the central region of Indre-et-Loire on Sunday. He acknowledged the delicate balancing act faced by farmers, where they are encouraged to provide high-quality products while grappling with demands for lower prices.
Attal emphasized the need for short, medium, and long-term solutions to support the farming community, declaring, 'We need our farmers.' The Prime Minister also indicated that his government is considering additional measures to combat what he calls 'unfair competition' from countries with different production rules that import food into France.
With tensions escalating, some farmers have vowed to converge on Paris starting Monday, intending to blockade major roads leading to the capital. The pressure on the government to address their concerns is higher than ever.
As France grapples with both the activists' soup-throwing episode at the Louvre and the ongoing farmers' protests, it is evident that there is a growing call for a more sustainable food system and improved conditions for those working in agriculture. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government can adequately respond to these concerns and find a viable path forward for both the farmers and the broader society.
