Will Protests Disrupt the Milan Winter Olympics?

The Winter Olympics have faced significant opposition as protests erupted in Milan, coinciding with the opening events of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Thousands of demonstrators voiced their concerns over the environmental impact and financial implications of the Games, particularly in light of the substantial £4.5 billion cost. The presence of the US enforcement agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), providing security for the US delegation further inflamed tensions, leading to booing during the opening ceremony.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The situation in Milan is tense, with protests intensifying as the Winter Olympics continue. Demonstrators are challenging not only the Games themselves but also the financial and environmental repercussions associated with hosting such a large-scale event. The presence of ICE has amplified the protests, highlighting concerns over US immigration policy and its implications for international relations.

Key takeaways

Protests against the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics began on the opening day, focusing on environmental and social concerns.
Thousands participated in demonstrations, calling for the withdrawal of ICE from security duties and criticising public spending.
The cost of the Winter Olympics is estimated at £4.5 billion, raising concerns about local economic impacts.

Timeline: how we got here

Protests against the Olympics have escalated over recent weeks. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to the current situation:

October 2022: Plans for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are confirmed, sparking early concerns about costs and environmental impact.
September 2023: Local advocacy groups begin organising protests against the Games, focusing on social inequality and environmental degradation.
24 October 2023: The opening ceremony takes place, met with widespread protests and vocal opposition to key US officials.
25 October 2023: Protests continue to escalate, with reports of violence and clashes between protesters and police.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Protests have escalated, leading to violent confrontations between police and demonstrators. Reports indicate that five individuals have been arrested, and the use of tear gas and water cannons by police has further inflamed tensions.

What was already established

The Games have been under scrutiny since their announcement, with activists warning about the financial burden on local residents and the adverse environmental impact of the required infrastructure and energy consumption.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK citizens, the ongoing protests and the challenges faced by Milan’s residents could serve as a cautionary tale about the costs of hosting large-scale international events. Concerns about rising living costs and the allocation of public funds are particularly relevant as many households continue to navigate economic uncertainty.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses may face disruptions due to the protests. While the Olympics can initially boost tourism, ongoing unrest could deter visitors and negatively impact the hospitality sector. Additionally, the broader context of economic strain caused by the Games may affect job security in related industries.

Policy and regulation

The situation could prompt discussions within the UK government about the implications of hosting major events, especially regarding public spending and environmental sustainability. Observers will be keen to see how Italy’s government responds to the protests and whether similar movements arise in the UK as future events are considered.

Numbers that matter

£4.5 billion: Estimated total cost of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
10,000: Approximate number of protesters participating in the initial demonstrations.
5: Number of arrests reported during the protests.
100: Estimated number of injuries from earlier clashes in Turin related to the Olympics.

Definitions and jargon buster

ICE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a US federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws.
Protest: A public demonstration expressing opposition to policies or events.
Olympics: An international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring summer and winter competitions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, we can expect ongoing protests as activists continue to mobilise against the Games. Observers should monitor announcements from the Italian government regarding security measures and responses to the demonstrations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the Olympics progress, analysts will assess the long-term impacts on Milan’s economy and environment. The potential for further protests may lead to policy discussions about the sustainability of hosting large events in the future.

Signals to watch

Updates on protest participation and government responses.
Reports on the economic impact of the Olympics on local businesses.
Environmental assessments related to the Games and their aftermath.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the ongoing situation in Milan and its implications for future events.
Engage with local community discussions about the impact of large-scale projects.
Consider the environmental and social costs of major events when participating in or supporting them.

Don’t

Ignore the concerns raised by local residents and activists regarding the impacts of the Games.
Assume that the benefits of hosting the Olympics will outweigh the costs.
Disregard the potential for similar situations arising in the UK as future events are planned.

Checklist

Understand the financial implications of the Olympics for local communities.
Familiarise yourself with the environmental issues raised by the protests.
Stay updated on government responses and policy changes regarding large events.
Consider supporting local organisations advocating for sustainable practices.
Participate in discussions about future events and their impact on society.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation surrounding the Winter Olympics remains fluid, with the potential for further violence or unrest as protests continue. Additionally, the long-term environmental impact of the Games is still uncertain and will depend on future assessments. The financial burden on local residents and the effectiveness of government responses to these protests are also key points to monitor.

Bottom line

The Winter Olympics in Milan are off to a rocky start, with significant public opposition highlighting the financial and environmental concerns associated with such large-scale events. As protests continue, the implications for both local residents and future international competitions are becoming increasingly clear.

FAQs

What are the main concerns about the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics?

The main concerns include the estimated £4.5 billion cost, environmental impacts, and the involvement of ICE in security, which has sparked protests.

How many people are protesting against the Olympics?

Approximately 10,000 people participated in the initial demonstrations, expressing their opposition to the Games and associated issues.

What has been the response from the Italian government regarding the protests?

The Italian government has yet to make a comprehensive statement addressing the protests, but security measures have been heightened in response to the unrest.