Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharply criticizes Olympic opponents, calling them enemies of Italy and Italians.
Thousands Working, Others Seeking to Destroy
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s social media post appeared on the opening day of the Winter Olympics. She highlighted the dedication of thousands of citizens organizing the event, many as volunteers. “Thousands and thousands of Italians are working to ensure everything functions during the Games. Many do so as volunteers because they want their country to be admired and respected,” Meloni wrote.
In the rest of her post, the Prime Minister sharply criticized opponents of the Olympics. “And then there are they: enemies of Italy and Italians who demonstrate ‘against the Olympics,’ with images broadcast worldwide,” she added.
Railway Sabotage on Olympic Opening Day
Giorgia Meloni also referenced concerning events on Italian railways. On the Olympics’ opening day, serious infrastructure damage occurred on the Bologna-Padua and Bologna-Ancona routes. Authorities found a homemade explosive device, cut electrical cables, and a damaged power supply box, causing rail disruptions. The prosecutor’s office and police are investigating and do not rule out sabotage. “Others cut railway cables to prevent trains from running,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Milan Protest Leads to Arrests
On Saturday, February 7, a large anti-Olympic demonstration took place in Milan, with approximately 10,000 participants according to Italian media. Police arrested six individuals for public order violations. Meloni expressed solidarity with law enforcement and city authorities in her post. “Once again, I express solidarity with the security forces, with Milan, and with those who see their work going to waste due to these criminal gangs,” she emphasized.
The Prime Minister’s statement has sparked a broad debate in Italy regarding security during the Games and the limits of protest against major international events.
