Six people have been arrested after police clashed with protesters in Milan, one of the hosts of the Winter Olympic Games, during the first day of the competition.
Thousands took to the streets of the city in northern Italy on Saturday to protest against the Games and a range of issues including the cost of living. Some released fireworks and threw stones at police, who responded with water cannon.
This unrest follows the government's recent tightening of protest laws in light of a violent demonstration in Turin the previous week, which resulted in injuries to over 100 officers.
Officials are also investigating suspected sabotage on northern Italy's railway network amidst the chaos on Saturday. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the protests, labeling those opposing the Olympics as the enemy of Italy, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini referred to the protesters involved in the clashes as criminals. Meanwhile, many participants in the protests voiced concerns about the environmental and social costs associated with hosting the Olympics.
Prime Minister Meloni criticized the protesters for harming Italy's image just as the country aimed to showcase its best during the Olympics, and emphasized that the Games should symbolize national pride and unity.
Despite the clashes, a large portion of the protesters marched peacefully, expressing their opposition to the perceived unsustainability of the Olympics. Protest organizers highlighted that the Games, while branded as sustainable, have paradoxically led to extensive public spending and environmental degradation.
Amid the demonstrations, Italy's transportation ministry addressed the chaos across the railway networks, which were reportedly affected by acts of sabotage, including severed cables and fires set on the tracks. While services have since normalized, the ministry described the incidents as actions of severe vandalism that could tarnish Italy's reputation during the prestigious international event.
