A cadre of five environmental activists from the Ultima Generazione collective staged a provocative action at the Madama Palace, the Italian Senate building, on Monday. Pink paint smeared the facade as protesters drew attention to what they describe as a growing climate crisis.
The activists claimed responsibility for highlighting government inaction on fossil fuels. They warned of a future marked by food scarcity and depopulation in parts of Italy if climate change continues unchecked, and they shared multiple videos on social networks to illustrate their message.
The group managed to partially cover the lower sections of the facade and windows with spray paint, an act observed by officers who quickly intervened. Several participants were detained as the scene unfolded, according to local media outlets.
The protesters described the gesture as a response to a mounting stream of ecoclimatic data. They argued that political indifference could fuel what they call the most grave genocide in human history, urging observers to consider the long-term consequences of inaction.
Italian leaders’ reactions
Reactions from Italian political institutions were swift. The attack on a historic structure dating back to the 15th century, which houses important works of art, drew wide condemnation.
The head of the Senate criticized the operation, noting that security around the building should be strengthened to prevent future incidents. The concern centered on safeguarding a symbol of national governance as well as priceless cultural assets.
Matteo Salvini, the government’s Vice-President and Minister of Infrastructure, described the authors as vandals rather than activists. He argued that damage to artworks and historic artifacts warrants exemplary punishment, while also emphasizing the need to restore what was harmed.
A social media post from Salvini, quoting a line in Italian, echoed the sentiment that damages to cultural treasures deserve strong accountability. The post amplified the political debate about protest methods and the protection of heritage.
The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, issued a firm condemnation of the events. He stressed that institutions are a core component of democracy and must be respected, underscoring the principle that cultural sites should remain safeguarded.
The Ultima Generazione unit in Italy is part of a broader international network that supports civil disobedience and protest actions to draw attention to the climate crisis. The group argues that expressive actions are necessary to mobilize public concern and policy responses when other channels are perceived as ineffective.
In recent months, Europe has witnessed a series of high-profile acts targeting artworks and historic buildings in various countries. In October, a Monet painting was damaged in Germany; in November, two Goya paintings in Madrid were involved in separate protests; and in December, protesters painted the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. These incidents are part of a wider pattern of demonstrations aimed at highlighting environmental concerns and pressuring leaders to act more decisively.