PHOTO/VIDEO Violence in Milan, host of the Winter Olympics. Protesters threw bottles and pyrotechnic materials at the police

A group of about 100 protesters threw firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at law enforcement after breaking away from the main demonstration in Milan, the host city of the Winter Olympics, on Saturday, according to Reuters.

Authorities used water cannons in an attempt to disperse the group, and order was restored after a few minutes.

BREAKING: Total chaos as anti-Olympics protesters fire fireworks in Milan, Italy, protesting 'environmental impact' of Milano Cortina Winter Games pic.twitter.com/J79UvMZrVp

— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) February 7, 2026

More than 5,000 people protested housing costs and environmental issues in Milan on Saturday on the first full day of the Winter Olympics.

The march, organized by local unions, housing rights groups and community activists from social centres, aimed to highlight what they describe as an increasingly unsustainable city model, plagued by rising rents and widening inequality.

In Milan, Italy's financial hub, security measures have been tightened in the context of the Olympic Games.

Protesters claim 'these Olympics are unsustainable'

Some groups argue that the Olympics are a waste of resources and public money, calling for infrastructure projects that they claim have damaged the environment in mountain communities.

“I'm here because these Olympics are unsustainable – economically, socially and ecologically,” said Stefano Nutini, 71, standing under a Communist Refoundation Party flag.

The protester claims that the Olympic infrastructure has put a heavy burden on the mountain towns that host the edition's events.

“Century trees, survivors of two wars… sacrificed for 90 seconds of competition on a bobsleigh track that cost 124 million (euro),” read a banner at the protest.

The International Olympic Committee says the Games largely use existing facilities, making them more sustainable.