Activists challenge large corporations at European shareholder meetings.

In the current context of growing environmental and social awareness, the shareholder meetings of large corporations are witnessing a remarkable shift in their dynamics. In cities like Berlin and Madrid, activists and human rights defenders are taking the floor at these meetings, exposing realities that are often ignored by top executives and shareholders. The recent case of Bayer AG, one of the pharmaceutical and agrochemical giants, perfectly illustrates this new phenomenon. Christian Schliemann-Radbruch, a lawyer committed to human rights, found himself in an unusual setting in Berlin, virtually participating in Bayer's annual assembly. With the company mired in a financial crisis exacerbated by thousands of lawsuits related to glyphosate use, Schliemann and other human rights experts were preparing to deliver testimonies that would resonate in the room, despite their voices not always being welcome. Bayer's situation is further complicated by the recent drop in its stock value, which has led to speculation about massive layoffs. The intervention of Sarah Schneider, who works at the NGO Misereor, was revealing. Despite not owning shares in Bayer, her knowledge of the consequences of the multinational's products on agricultural communities in Latin America gave her a powerful voice. Her account of the tragic story of Silvino Talavera, a Paraguayan boy who died after being exposed to glyphosate spraying, confronted shareholders with the harsh reality of the company's agricultural practices. Schneider used this platform to advocate for greater corporate responsibility and transparency. This type of activism is not limited to Bayer. In Madrid, during Repsol's shareholder meeting, a young Greenpeace activist, Celia, challenged executives by questioning their role in environmental destruction and the human suffering generated by their business model. Her intervention, which elicited murmurs in the room, highlighted the disconnect that often exists between business decisions and their repercussions in the real world. The response from Repsol's management, which attempted to discredit the activists, revealed the defensive posture of industries in the face of criticism. The stories of Schneider and Celia are examples of a broader change in how shareholders and citizens are beginning to demand accountability from large corporations. The organization Shareholders for Change has emerged as a key player in this movement, facilitating the participation of critical shareholders in the shareholder meetings of European companies. With a focus on social and environmental issues, they are successfully bringing ethical concerns into corporate discourse. This movement has deep roots in the history of shareholder activism, dating back to times of conflict and inequality. From protests against the Vietnam War to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, shareholders have used their influence to draw attention to critical issues. Today, in an era where climate change and social justice are hot topics, this type of activism is more relevant than ever. The Ethical Finance Foundation, part of this emerging network, highlights the importance of responsible finance. Its focus on creating a market that prioritizes social and environmental well-being over mere economic profitability is gaining traction. Through its work, they aim to generate a change in how financial resources are perceived and utilized. Recent incidents at shareholder meetings have shown that, although there may not be a chorus of applause, the echo of these interventions goes far beyond the walls of the rooms. Media attention and support from social organizations amplify the voices of activists, creating a public sentiment that puts pressure on companies and governments. However, the path to meaningful change is long and fraught with challenges. The evasive responses from executives to difficult questions reveal a reluctance to acknowledge their social and environmental responsibility. Despite this, shareholder activism is beginning to change the narrative, making the well-being of people and the environment factors that companies can no longer ignore. The future of corporations like Bayer and Repsol will largely depend on their ability to adapt to these new demands. The pressure from shareholders, combined with the growing voice of activists, is starting to transform how companies operate and communicate with the world. The fight for a more sustainable and just future continues, and each intervention at these meetings is a step forward in that direction.