Milan's Anti-Olympics Protest: A Money-Making Machine or a Grassroots Movement?
The city of Milan witnessed a significant protest against the upcoming Winter Olympics, with thousands of people taking to the streets to voice their concerns. The demonstration, which brought together a diverse coalition of left-leaning groups and individuals, was a peaceful yet powerful statement against the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
The protest, which lasted for three hours, ended in a dramatic scene as police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The peaceful environmentalists, led by the APE group, carried cardboard trees to symbolize the impact of the Games on the environment, particularly the planned felling of 500 trees in Cortina. This was just one of the many grievances raised by the protesters.
One of the key issues highlighted was the misuse of public funds. Protesters argued that the Olympics spending could have been better directed towards more pressing local priorities. Davide Forsati, a middle-aged protester from APE, emphasized the burden on taxpayers, stating, 'People like us have to pay with their taxes.'
Another point of contention was the presence of ICE agents from the Trump administration in Milan. A sign read, 'ICE out for Minneapolis,' reflecting the protesters' opposition to their involvement in the Games. The protest also featured banners with a minus sign next to 'Olimpiadi' (Olympics) and a plus sign alongside 'sport di base' (grassroots sport), highlighting the preference for community sports over the commercialized Olympics.
Rent increases, exacerbated by the Olympics' demand, were another concern. Jessica Todaro, a unionist from CUB, expressed her opposition to the organizers' mismanagement and the exploitation of hotel workers. She stated, 'These Winter Olympics have been turned into a money-making machine... The rates of the hotels are going up, but the wages are not... The problem is how the Olympics are being managed.'
The local pro-Palestine movement was also prominent, with flags and chants of 'free Palestine' in both Italian and English. Vincenzo Strambio, a pro-Palestine marcher, criticized Israel's participation in the Games, especially given the ongoing Ukraine war. Another marcher objected to a sponsor with ties to Israel, demonstrating the complex interplay of political and social issues within the protest.
The protest featured a variety of political symbols, including the hammer and sickle, with some banners belonging to the Communist Restoration Party. The march itself was slow-paced but lasted for several hours, ending with the dramatic use of fireworks and tear gas. Police, equipped with riot gear, maintained a distance from the protesters, ensuring a controlled environment.
This protest might not be the last against the Olympics. Organizers suggested a follow-up demonstration in Verona, 150 kilometers away, on the final day of the Games. Additionally, rail disruptions were reported for those traveling to the Winter Olympics, with Italian police investigating sabotage incidents.
The Winter Olympic Games will be broadcast on 9Network, 9Now, and Stan Sport, but the protests have sparked important discussions about the true cost and impact of such sporting events on the host city and its people.
