Thousands gathered in Milan to voice their opposition to the upcoming Winter Olympics, with the demonstration initially remaining peaceful but ending in unrest as a small group of protestors clashed with police. The situation escalated after protestors threw fireworks and stones at law enforcement, leading to police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. Similar protests in Turin last weekend had left over 100 police officers injured, highlighting the rising tensions surrounding the Olympic Games.

The protests were driven by concerns over environmental degradation, specifically the use of artificial snow and deforestation in preparation for the Olympics. Activists and unions, including housing advocates, voiced their frustration not only regarding the Olympics but also in relation to the broader housing crisis facing Milan. Francesca Misana, a 29-year-old protestor, articulated a sentiment echoed by many in the crowd, arguing that the Games are no longer sustainable from environmental and social perspectives.

Alberto di Monte, one of the protest organizers, criticized the Olympic Games' promotion as environmentally sustainable and cost-neutral, noting that the geographical and political context of the Games should be reconsidered. The protests highlight increasing public dissent regarding massive sporting events and their implications for local communities and ecosystems, raising questions about the future of hosting such events in the face of climate change and social unrest.