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Protesters in Milan denounce impact of Games on environment
Protesters criticized soaring rents, inequality, and environmental harm linked to Olympic infrastructure, with police estimating up to 10,000 participants in the Milan march.
On Feb 7 in Milan, thousands of protesters marched over housing costs and environmental concerns on the first full day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Grassroots unions, housing‑rights groups and social centre activists argue the housing crisis is linked to a decade‑long property boom since the 2015 World Expo and an Italian tax scheme for wealthy new residents.
At the head of the procession, about 50 people carried stylised cardboard trees, while police estimates reported more than 5,000 participants marching nearly four kilometres from Medaglie d'Oro central square to Corvetto district, Milan.
The march unfolded under tight security as Milan hosts world leaders, athletes and U.S. Vice President JD Vance; it follows a violent Turin rally last weekend injuring over 100 police and arresting nearly 30 protesters.
The IOC counters that the Games largely use existing facilities, while activists say Olympic infrastructure burdens mountain communities such as Cortina d'Ampezzo and wastes public money, with a banner reading 'Let's take back the cities, let's free the mountains.
Winter Games: On the first day of the Games, demonstrations took place in Milan against the environmental impact and costs. The massive police presence at the…