Italy Prime Minister Condemns Anti-Olympics Acts, Including Alleged Sabotage of Railway Line

Italy’s Prime Minister has strongly condemned what she described as “unacceptable and dangerous acts” targeting infrastructure and public order as the country hosts the Winter Olympics, following reports of alleged sabotage on a key railway line serving northern regions and Olympic venues.
Speaking at a press conference in Rome, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the government would respond with the “maximum firmness” to any attempt to disrupt the Games or endanger public safety. Her remarks came after transport authorities confirmed that damage had been detected on railway signaling equipment, causing delays and disruptions to train services on routes connecting Milan with Alpine areas hosting Olympic events.
“This is not protest, this is criminal behavior,” Meloni said. “Anyone who attacks infrastructure and risks the safety of citizens and visitors will be pursued and punished according to the law.”
Railway Disruption Raises Security Concerns
The disruption was first reported early in the morning when rail operators noticed abnormal failures in signaling systems on a section of track in Lombardy. Engineers sent to investigate found evidence of tampering, prompting authorities to suspend traffic temporarily while safety checks were carried out.
Although no injuries were reported, hundreds of passengers were affected, including Olympic spectators, journalists, and volunteers traveling to venues. Train services resumed later in the day after emergency repairs, but delays continued throughout peak hours.
Interior Ministry officials said the incident is being treated as suspected sabotage rather than a technical malfunction. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into damage to public infrastructure, a serious criminal offense under Italian law.
Security around major railway hubs and Olympic transport routes was immediately increased, with additional police patrols and surveillance deployed at stations, tunnels, and bridges.
Wider Anti-Olympics Activity
The alleged sabotage is part of a broader wave of protests and disruptive actions linked to opposition to the Olympics. Environmental groups and anti-capitalist activists have staged demonstrations in several northern cities, criticizing the Games for their environmental impact, rising public costs, and pressure on local communities.
In recent weeks, activists have vandalized billboards, blocked roads leading to construction sites, and organized marches calling for a halt to Olympic development projects. While most protests have been peaceful, authorities say a small number of individuals have crossed into criminal acts.
Meloni accused radical elements of exploiting legitimate concerns to justify illegal behavior.
“Criticism and debate are part of democracy,” she said. “But damaging railways and threatening people’s safety is something entirely different. It cannot be tolerated.”
Political and Public Reaction
Opposition parties condemned the alleged sabotage but also urged the government to address the social and environmental grievances behind the protests. Some lawmakers called for dialogue with local communities affected by Olympic construction projects, particularly in mountainous regions where residents fear long-term ecological damage.
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said the incident demonstrated the need for tougher protection of critical infrastructure.
“Our railways are essential for daily life and for the success of the Games,” Salvini said. “Any attack on them is an attack on the country.”
Passengers expressed frustration and concern after being stranded for hours at major stations.
“We were told it was a technical problem, then later they said it might be sabotage,” said Lucia Ferraro, a commuter traveling from Milan to Turin. “It makes you feel unsafe.”
International Spotlight
The Winter Olympics place Italy under intense global scrutiny, with millions of viewers and thousands of athletes and visitors arriving from around the world. Security experts note that large international events often attract both peaceful protest and attempts at disruption because of their symbolic importance.
Italian authorities have already deployed thousands of police officers and soldiers to protect venues, airports, and transport networks. Following the railway incident, officials said security measures would be reviewed and strengthened further.
An Olympic organizing committee spokesperson said the disruption had no impact on competition schedules and that contingency transport plans were activated immediately.
“All events are proceeding as planned,” the spokesperson said. “We are working closely with national authorities to ensure safe and reliable transport for athletes and spectators.”
Investigation Continues
Police are examining surveillance footage and forensic evidence from the damaged railway equipment. No arrests have yet been announced, and authorities have not confirmed whether the act was linked to a specific protest group.
Officials stressed that the investigation remains open and that all possible motives, including political extremism or organized vandalism, are being considered.
As Italy continues to host the Games, the government has sought to project an image of control and resilience. Meloni concluded her remarks by emphasizing that the Olympics would not be overshadowed by what she called “minority violence.”
“These Games belong to athletes and to the people,” she said. “They will not be derailed by those who choose destruction over dialogue.”