Italy's Meloni condemns anti-Olympic protesters as 'enemies'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sharply criticized protesters demonstrating against the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, calling them "enemies of Italy." The statement, made in a social media post on Sunday, came after thousands participated in an anti-Olympics march in Milan, which devolved into clashes with police.

Meloni's strong stance on protests

In her post, Meloni contrasted the work of thousands of Italians ensuring the Games run smoothly with the actions of the demonstrators. She expressed solidarity with law enforcement and the city of Milan, stating her support for "all those who will see their work undermined by these gangs of criminals." The Prime Minister shared international media coverage of the violent protests, highlighting the global visibility of the disruptions.

Weekend of demonstrations and disruptions

According to Italian news agency ANSA, approximately 10,000 people joined the Milan protest against what they termed the "unsustainable Olympics" and the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Italy. A faction broke away from the main march, leading to confrontations where objects were thrown at police, who responded with containment charges and water cannons. The protests coincided with reported sabotage attempts on railway lines in northern Italy, which disrupted intercity train services.

Context of the Olympic Games

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics represent a major international event for Italy, with the country aiming to project an image of organizational efficiency and hospitality. The strong rhetoric from the conservative Prime Minister frames the protests not as legitimate dissent but as criminal acts undermining national prestige and the efforts of citizens. Security and the seamless operation of the Games remain top priorities for the Italian government amidst these challenges.