Greta Thunberg has been fined and banned from Venice after joining an Extinction Rebellion protest that poured green paint into the Grand Canal, sparking harsh criticism from Italian officials and renewed debate over environmental activism.
Greta Thunberg Banned from Venice After Green Paint Protest in the Grand Canal
Venice woke up to global headlines this weekend after Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was temporarily banned from entering the city and fined 150 euros. The move came after she joined an Extinction Rebellion protest that turned parts of the famed Grand Canal green.
The demonstration, involving around 35 activists, aimed to raise awareness about climate destruction. Protesters carried banners reading “Stop Ecocide” before pouring green and red paint into the water and marching through crowds of confused tourists.
But instead of applause, the act sparked fury.
Authorities Call It a “Publicity Stunt” — Not Environmental Protection
The city of Venice issued a 48-hour entry ban for Thunberg, accusing her of being “more interested in self-promotion than helping the planet.”
Local officials argued that the gesture showed disrespect toward Venice’s fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage.
Veneto Governor Luca Zaia condemned the protest, calling it:
“A useless gesture that disrespects Venice, its history, and its fragility.”
He added that seeing Greta participate was “disappointing,” insisting the action seemed “designed to attract attention, not spark meaningful environmental awareness.”
Other activists involved in the protest received similar bans and fines.
According to the activists, Italy was chosen because it has become a major obstacle to key environmental proposals ahead of the upcoming COP30 summit.
Their message:
If governments won’t act, activists will — even if their actions spark controversy.
A New Flashpoint in the Climate Debate
While supporters say such actions highlight the urgency of the climate crisis, critics — especially in Italy — argue that vandalizing monuments and heritage sites alienates the public.
The Venice incident has rekindled debate on whether high-visibility protests help or harm the environmental movement.
One thing is certain:
Greta Thunberg’s brief ban from Venice will only intensify global discussion — and her next move is already being watched.
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