Thousands took to the streets of Milan on Saturday (7) to protest against the rising cost of living and environmental concerns coinciding with the first full day of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The demonstration, organized by unions, housing rights groups, and community activists from social centers, aims to highlight what activists deem an increasingly unsustainable city model characterized by soaring rents and growing inequality.

The Olympics cap a decade during which Milan has experienced a real estate boom following the World Expo in 2015, with local residents feeling the pressure from increased living costs while a tax regime for wealthy new residents, coupled with Brexit, has attracted professionals to the financial capital. Activists argue that the showcase of the Olympics represents a waste of public money and resources, underlining infrastructure projects they claim have harmed the environment in mountainous communities.

Some protestors carried banners criticizing the Olympic spending amidst the backdrop of high unemployment and struggling communities, viewing the games as a symbol of elitism and misallocation of funds that could address local needs rather than contribute to international sporting events. The march draws attention to the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to urban development and social equity in the face of exponential growth and economic inequality.