Meloni's 'Enemies of Italy' Rebuke Sparks Fears of Repressive Drift Amid Olympic Protests
Opposition parties in Italy have condemned recent security laws as a violation of the constitutional right to demonstrate, following Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's sharp rebuke of anti-Olympics protesters. In a rally in Milan on Saturday, thousands marched against the economic and ecological costs of the Winter Olympics, with clashes erupting briefly at the event's fringe.
Peaceful Protest Marred by Isolated Clashes
Mattia Scolari, leader of the Milan unit of the grassroots workers' union Cub, joined the predominantly peaceful demonstration. He expressed frustration over stagnant wages, youth emigration, and poverty, stating, "We are fed up with an Olympics that causes mayhem in the city, only brings temporary jobs and will leave lasting ecological damage." The rally saw a brief clash when some protesters threw firecrackers, smoke bombs, and bottles at police, who responded with teargas, water cannons, and six arrests.
On the same day, anarchists claimed responsibility for sabotaging rail infrastructure in northern Italy, adding to the tension. Meloni, sharing footage from Fox News, labeled anti-Olympics protesters as "enemies of Italy and Italians" and voiced solidarity with police and workers affected by the unrest.
Security Laws Under Fire
Scolari argued that Meloni's comments, combined with new security bills, reveal a repressive agenda by her far-right government. Since taking office in October 2022, Meloni's coalition has prioritized "law and order," enacting measures against illegal raves, juvenile crime, and climate activists. A 2025 security bill introduced jail terms for blocking traffic during protests and harsh penalties for resisting police.
The most recent decree, drafted after clashes in Turin over a leftwing social centre eviction, allows police to detain suspected agitators for up to 12 hours before a protest. Riccardo Magi of Più Europa called this a "shift towards illiberalism," while Angelo Bonelli of the Green-Left Alliance deemed it a serious violation of constitutional rights, noting, "At this point, we would all be suspects, even for simply carrying a Palestinian flag."
Government Justifications and Criticism
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio defended the measures as necessary to "avoid the return of the Red Brigades," referencing the far-left militant group from Italy's "years of lead." Meloni asserted the package, which shields police from investigation in self-defence cases, is part of a strategy to "defend those who defend us" and restore security.
However, Scolari highlighted increasing difficulties in organizing protests due to strict procedures and potential sanctions. Proposals, such as requiring deposits from organizers to cover damages, further illustrate what critics call an intolerant attitude toward opposition. Lorenzo De Sio, a politics professor at Luiss University, noted, "While one single measure doesn't change much, all of them together does gradually push things."
As Italy remains under global scrutiny, the debate over civil liberties versus security intensifies, with many fearing a drift toward repression under Meloni's leadership.
