Rome, Italy – Activists were taken to a police station after climbing Palazzo Venezia in Rome on June 1, 2026, during a protest involving banners and a satirical performance.

The group scaled the building carrying three large banners featuring the slogan “Dio denaro, patria in guerra e famiglia alluvionata,” directed against a well-known motto linked to the authoritarian right.

Fifteen people were taken to a police station, including photographers who were present at the scene.

The protest took place at Palazzo Venezia, a former seat of the Fascist government under Benito Mussolini and a symbolic site of that period. The action was intended to highlight the effects of the ecological and climate crisis and to criticise increasing government spending on fossil fuels and military activity.

At ground level, performers dressed as Giorgia Meloni, Ignazio La Russa and Guido Crosetto staged a satirical act inspired by historical newsreels. Police intervened and seized the banners before they were fully unfurled and identified those present, including photographers documenting the event.

Although no resistance was reported and documents were handed over, all those present were taken to a police station.

The protest formed part of PrimaVera Democrazia, a week of mobilisation in Rome organised by Extinction Rebellion.

Organisers said the action was meant to expose what they see as a gap between government rhetoric and real-world consequences of policies, including climate impacts, inequality, and repression.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download