Italian politicians decry violence at TAV high‑speed rail protests

In late July 2026, demonstrations known as the “Festival dell’Alta Felicità” against the TAV high‑speed rail line in the Susa valley turned violent, leaving dozens of police officers injured.

Forza Italia senators Roberto Rosso and Marco Fontana condemned the unrest as an organised “festival of violence”, pledged solidarity with law‑enforcement and affirmed that the railway works will proceed under the Security Decree.

Former Turin mayor Piero Fassino (PD) described the actions as an “eversive guerrilla”, noting 126 police injuries, stressing the project's importance for regional development, and pointing out that a Japanese architect has been selected for the Susa station design. He added that many protesters now come from France and Spain, marking a shift from the originally non‑violent opposition.