The incredible opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games on Friday showcased Italian culture and underlined a strong formal agreement on the theme of harmony. The city of Milan was in the spotlight on the eve of the Games not only for high-level celebrations, but also for global protests.
Protests were underway against the environmental impact caused by the Winter Olympics. They marched through the city and passed the newly opened Olympic Village. Fireworks and smoke bombs were set off, but the demonstration was generally peaceful.
The banners displayed, some read ‘ICE out’, while others criticized the government of Giorgia Meloni and Milan mayor Beppe Sala.
Meanwhile, demonstrators condemned the Olympics, arguing that the Games have not brought any wealth to the city of Milan and Lombardy. They believed that money had been diverted to Social Security, public schools and health care. With the resources physically damaged by fire, not a single euro will be returned to Italian citizens, especially those in Lombardy. The chaos and protests have sparked public concern and raised questions for the government.
