Following the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan, protests turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police in the city. Initial peaceful marches escalated when protesters fired flares and threw stones at law enforcement, who responded with water cannons. This incident came after heightened police alertness due to previous violent protests in Turin, where more than 100 officers had been injured, indicating growing tensions surrounding the Olympic events.

Protesters voiced their grievances with placards addressing various issues, including the use of artificial snow, deforestation, and the housing crisis in Italy's financial and fashion capital. Francesca Missana, a 29-year-old protester, articulated concerns that the Olympic Games are no longer sustainable from environmental and social perspectives, suggesting that their time has passed. The criticism of the Games is tied to broader issues concerning the impact of such large events on vulnerable mountain ecosystems and the significant resource consumption associated with artificial snow.

The protests highlight the growing backlash against the Olympic Movement, as residents express fears over the environmental degradation and social imbalances triggered by mega-events like the Olympics. As global awareness of sustainability issues increases, the implications of hosting such events are scrutinized, prompting discussions on whether future Olympic Games should embrace more sustainable practices and community-friendly approaches.