No Tav protests shift to Avigliana as high‑speed rail project faces renewed clashes

Protests against the Turin‑Lyon high‑speed rail (TAV) have moved to the town of Avigliana, intensifying the long‑running conflict between the No Tav movement and authorities. Demonstrations near the construction sites in the Val di Susa area have turned violent, with police reporting dozens of injuries. Luca Pantanella, secretary‑general of the provincial police union, said the clashes involved “masked assailants, slings, Molotov cocktails and other weapons” and resulted in “over one million euros in structural damage.” The police are considering filing a civil suit against the perpetrators.

Mayor Piero Genovese of Susa reiterated that the project will proceed, stating, “The decision does not belong to the municipal administration; it is a democratic decision taken by the Italian and French governments.” He added that local authorities will work to limit the inconvenience caused by the extensive works. The No Tav movement, which originated in the early 1990s, remains at a crossroads, with its supporters continuing to organize protests and legal challenges while confronting increasing police repression.

The episode reflects the broader, three‑decade history of the No Tav movement, which has involved local officials, environmental groups, and experts questioning the project's environmental and health impacts. Recent violent incidents have heightened public attention on the dispute and raised concerns about public order and the future of the high‑speed rail line.