Milan
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticised anti-Olympics protesters, calling them “enemies of Italy” following violent clashes in Milan and acts of sabotage targeting the national rail network. The incidents unfolded late Saturday night on the first full day of competition in the Winter Games jointly hosted by Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The protests took place in Milan, Italy’s financial capital and one of the main hubs for the Games. What began as a large demonstration over rising housing costs and environmental concerns linked to Olympic-related development escalated when a smaller group broke away from the main march. According to police, around 100 protesters hurled firecrackers, smoke bombs, and bottles at officers, triggering a tense standoff in the city centre.
Law enforcement responded by deploying water cannon to disperse the crowd and restore order. Authorities said six people were detained in connection with the violence. In parallel, sabotage attacks were reported on parts of the national rail network, where cables were cut to prevent trains from departing, disrupting travel at a critical moment as athletes, officials, and spectators moved between venues.
In a strongly worded message posted on Instagram on Sunday, Meloni praised the thousands of Italians working behind the scenes to ensure the Games run smoothly and to showcase the country positively on the global stage. She contrasted their efforts with what she described as deliberate attempts to damage Italy’s image abroad. “Then there are those who are enemies of Italy and Italians,” she wrote, accusing protesters of ensuring that scenes of violence and disruption were broadcast worldwide.
Officials said an estimated 10,000 people participated in the broader demonstration, much of which remained peaceful. Organisers said the protest aimed to highlight concerns about soaring rents, displacement of residents, and environmental impacts associated with large-scale Olympic infrastructure projects. Critics of the Games argue that public funds should instead be directed toward affordable housing and sustainable urban development.