The spectacular 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday evening evening showcased Italian culture and placed a heavy emphasis on the theme of harmony.
Nevertheless, there was no shortage of criticism, with boos directed at Israel’s Olympic team, as well as US Vice President JD Vance when he appeared on the San Siro stadium’s big screen.
Outside the venue, the city of Milan took centre stage on the eve of the Games – not only for high level political meetings, but also for widespread protests – Friday saw a demonstration by activists and students against the presence of the ICE. On Saturday, there was a protest organised by grassroots union against the environmental impact caused by the Winter Olympics.
Protesters marched through the city, passing by the newly opened Olympic Village. Fireworks and smoke bombs were set off, but the demonstration was peaceful overall. Among the banners displayed, some read “ICE out”, while others criticised Giorgia Meloni’s government as well as Milan mayor Beppe Sala.
Protesters: Games environmentally and economically unsustainable
“It’s public money that has been spent on a display window. It may be interesting to have these showcase events, but at a time when there is not enough money for essential things, it makes no sense to spend it in this way,” a healthcare worker at the protest told Euronews.
Another protester criticised the national government and the mayor of Milan, describing the works carried out for the Games as environmentally unsustainable.
A third protester criticised the Olympics because “they have not brought any wealth to the city of Milan and Lombardy”. According to him, “they have taken money away from social welfare, public schools and healthcare. This money has literally been burned, and not a single lira will go to Italian citizens, particularly those in Lombardy, so these are bogus Olympics.”