Italian police arrested six protesters after clashes in Milan, one of the Winter Olympic hosts, on the first competition day. Thousands marched against issues like the high cost of living. Some threw stones and fired flares, prompting police to respond with water cannons. The government recently tightened protest laws following violent protests in Turin that injured over 100 officers. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called the Milan confrontations "criminals" and praised new security laws designed for stronger action against troublemakers. The Turin protests had turned violent after the eviction of a social centre, with over 30 arrests. One police officer was attacked with a hammer, which Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called attempted murder. The new security measures let police detain suspects up to 12 hours to prevent unrest. Critics called this repressive. Most Milan protesters were peaceful, including Francesca Missana, who said the Olympics were "no longer sustainable from an environmental or a social point of view." Organizer Alberto di Monte added that billions spent on roads for the Games could have been better used to protect mountains. On Saturday, suspected sabotage disrupted northern Italy's railways. A fire damaged tracks between Bologna and Venice, while cables were severed and an explosive device found near Bologna and Pesaro. The transport ministry called it "suspected sabotage" similar to vandalism during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Salvini, also transport minister, assured the incidents would not harm Italy's global image or the Olympic spirit. The Winter Games run until February 22 across Milan, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Predazzo, Tesero, Livigno, and Bormio.