Milan, the host city of the 2026 Olympics, is engulfed in protests. Police used water cannons – photos

On Saturday, February 7, in Milan, the city that will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, a group of about 100 protesters threw firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at police after they moved away from the main body of demonstrators. This was reported by the Reuters.

Police wearing riot gear and carrying shields used water cannons in an attempt to disperse the group. Some demonstrators wore hoods and scarves to cover their faces. Order was restored after a few minutes.

According to police, six people were detained during the clashes.

About 10,000 people took to the streets of Milan to protest housing costs and environmental issues on the first full day of the Winter Olympics hosted by Italy.

The march, organized by grassroots trade unions, housing rights groups and community center activists, is intended to draw attention to what activists call an increasingly unsustainable urban model characterized by skyrocketing rents and deepening inequality. Security measures in Italy's financial capital have been stepped up for the Games.

The demonstration was seen as a flashpoint after a left-wing rally in Turin last weekend turned violent. According to law enforcement officials, more than 100 police officers were injured and about 30 protesters were arrested.

Some protesters argue that the Olympics are a waste of public funds and resources, pointing to infrastructure projects that they say have damaged the environment in mountain communities.

"I'm here because these Olympics are unsustainable – economically, socially and environmentally," said 71-year-old Stefano Nutini.

He stated that the Olympic infrastructure has created a heavy burden for mountain towns. The International Olympic Committee assured that the Games would largely use existing facilities.

• On February 6, Italy hosted the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Ukraine's national team has the largest representation at the Games since 2010 – 46 sportsmen and women have received licenses.