As Jeff Bezos prepares for an extravagant wedding in Venice, local activists are gearing up to protest against the perceived exploitation of the city and its resources by global elites.
Venice Activists Mobilize Against Jeff Bezos's Upcoming Wedding
Venice Activists Mobilize Against Jeff Bezos's Upcoming Wedding
Protests are scheduled as local activists voice concerns over the impact of wealth and tourism on the historic city.
Activists in Venice have initiated protests in response to the upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez, set to take place between June 23 and June 28. The event is expected to attract a star-studded guest list and significantly affect local life, with reports indicating that numerous luxury accommodations and transport services are fully booked for the festivities.
With Bezos ranked as the world's third richest individual, boasting a staggering net worth of approximately $220.9 billion, concerns have emerged among local activists regarding the commodification of Venice, often referred to as a vulnerable asset rather than a living city deeply rooted in its historic culture. "Venice is being treated like a showcase, a stage," stated Federica Toninelli, a 33-year-old activist affiliated with the "No Space for Bezos" coalition. This group, comprising various local organizations, is concerned that the wedding symbolizes a deeper issue related to the increasing prioritization of tourism over the needs of residents.
Protests are planned to coincide with the wedding, including the unfurling of anti-Bezos banners and efforts to disrupt water transport for elite guests. The activists argue that their peaceful demonstrations are aimed at sparking dialogue about the impact of wealth on local communities. "We want to spark a citywide conversation and to say that people like Bezos – who represent a future we don't want – are not welcome here," added Toninelli.
Venice’s Mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, reacted to the planned protests with disappointment, asserting that such events contribute to local prosperity: "What other city would organize a committee against the wedding of such an important person?" This sentiment was echoed by local business owners who believe that high-profile celebrations bring financial benefits to the city.
Although details surrounding the wedding remain largely under wraps, it is rumored that high-profile guests, including celebrities and notable figures linked to political elites, could attend. The local activist community, however, is resolute in its stance against the commercialization of Venice and seeks to raise awareness about the issues facing residents, especially the declining local population due to rising housing costs that prioritize tourism.
As Venice grapples with the paradox of being a top tourist destination with a dwindling resident number — from nearly 175,000 in 1950 to just under 49,000 today — local activists stress the importance of transitioning to a model that places residents' needs at the forefront, rather than catering solely to lucrative events.
With Bezos ranked as the world's third richest individual, boasting a staggering net worth of approximately $220.9 billion, concerns have emerged among local activists regarding the commodification of Venice, often referred to as a vulnerable asset rather than a living city deeply rooted in its historic culture. "Venice is being treated like a showcase, a stage," stated Federica Toninelli, a 33-year-old activist affiliated with the "No Space for Bezos" coalition. This group, comprising various local organizations, is concerned that the wedding symbolizes a deeper issue related to the increasing prioritization of tourism over the needs of residents.
Protests are planned to coincide with the wedding, including the unfurling of anti-Bezos banners and efforts to disrupt water transport for elite guests. The activists argue that their peaceful demonstrations are aimed at sparking dialogue about the impact of wealth on local communities. "We want to spark a citywide conversation and to say that people like Bezos – who represent a future we don't want – are not welcome here," added Toninelli.
Venice’s Mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, reacted to the planned protests with disappointment, asserting that such events contribute to local prosperity: "What other city would organize a committee against the wedding of such an important person?" This sentiment was echoed by local business owners who believe that high-profile celebrations bring financial benefits to the city.
Although details surrounding the wedding remain largely under wraps, it is rumored that high-profile guests, including celebrities and notable figures linked to political elites, could attend. The local activist community, however, is resolute in its stance against the commercialization of Venice and seeks to raise awareness about the issues facing residents, especially the declining local population due to rising housing costs that prioritize tourism.
As Venice grapples with the paradox of being a top tourist destination with a dwindling resident number — from nearly 175,000 in 1950 to just under 49,000 today — local activists stress the importance of transitioning to a model that places residents' needs at the forefront, rather than catering solely to lucrative events.
