Giorgia Meloni, angry after the anti-Olympic protest and the railway sabotage: “They are the enemies of Italy”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has labeled anti-Olympics protesters as “enemies of Italy” after violence at a demonstration in Milan on Saturday night and attacks on the national rail network, Reuters reports.

The incidents occurred on the first day of competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, which Milan, Italy's financial capital, is co-hosting with the Alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Meloni praised the thousands of Italians who, according to her, are working to make the Olympics run smoothly and present a positive image of Italy.

“Then there are those who are enemies of Italy and Italians, demonstrating 'against the Olympics' and ensuring that these images are broadcast on television screens around the world. After others cut the railway cables to prevent the trains from leaving,” the prime minister wrote on Instagram on Sunday.

A group of about 100 protesters threw firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at police after breaking away from the main group of the demonstration in Milan.

Around 10,000 people took to the streets to protest housing costs and environmental issues related to the Olympics.

Police used water cannons to restore order and detained six people.

Also Saturday, authorities said saboteurs damaged rail infrastructure near the northern Italian city of Bologna, disrupting train traffic.

Police said three separate incidents at different locations caused delays of up to 2.5 hours on high-speed, long-distance and regional services. No one took responsibility for the damage.

“Once again, solidarity with the police, the city of Milan and all those who will see their work undermined by these criminal gangs,” added Meloni, who leads a right-wing coalition.

Italian police have been given increased powers after last weekend's violence during a far-left demonstration in the city of Turin, in which more than 100 police officers were injured.