Protests against the Olympic Games were held in Milan yesterday. Groups from Milan, Lombardy, and other northern regions of Italy took part in the demonstration. The protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the environmental impact of constructing the Olympic venues, as well as what they called the “economic and social damage” caused by the Games. An activist organization organized the march called the “Committee for an Unsustainable Olympic Games,” which brought together people from local sports initiatives, civil and environmental movements, students, housing rights activists, militant unions, pro-Palestinian networks, and transfeminist groups.
The demonstration turned violent during the night, when some protesters targeted police officers, throwing fireworks and flares at them. In response, the authorities used tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators.
The 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicked off on February 7 with an opening ceremony at Milan’s famous San Siro Stadium, dedicated to Italy’s rich arts and culture.
