Italian cities face protests over urban tree removal and green‑space policies

In Imola, local politicians and citizens have condemned the municipal decision to cut down historic maritime pines along Via Montanara, Viale D’Agostino and the San Francesco church square. Candidate mayor Ezio Roi called the action a “lack of transparency” and warned of “incalculable ecological and climatic damage,” while Fratelli d’Italia councillors demanded detailed reports on the removals and called for the immediate halt of the work.

Meanwhile in Milan, opposition councillors have protested the city’s “green” agenda, accusing the administration of Beppe Sala of disguising budget cuts as environmental measures. They highlighted reduced mowing and poorly maintained parks, claiming that the policies turn public spaces into overgrown “jungle‑like” areas.

Both incidents illustrate growing criticism of Italian municipal governments for perceived neglect of urban greenery and inadequate public consultation on environmental decisions.