Activists in Venice are gearing up to protest against Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, as he prepares to wed Lauren Sánchez next week in a lavish ceremony that some fear may disrupt the city's tranquility. As the third richest person globally, with an estimated wealth of $220.9 billion, Bezos's nuptials, spanning from June 23 to 28, are set to attract numerous high-profile guests and potentially shut down parts of the famous city.
A coalition of local activists, calling themselves the "No Space for Bezos" group, aims to raise awareness of how events like this symbolize the exploitation of Venice. Federica Toninelli, one of the group's spokespersons, believes this extravagant wedding exemplifies how the city is being utilized as a backdrop for wealthy individuals while neglecting the needs of local residents.
As part of their protest, activists have already unveiled anti-Bezos banners from notable landmarks, including the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica and the Rialto Bridge. Next week, they plan to stage peaceful disruptions by jumping into canals to block water taxis and obstruct narrow streets to prevent wedding guests from reaching the venue.
The group argues that their protest isn’t just against Bezos but also challenges the city's governance, accusing the mayor of favoring wealthy tourists over local inhabitants. While Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed support for the lavish event, personalities from Venice's local businesses contend that these celebrations generate necessary economic opportunities.
Venice, known for its beauty but facing a declining resident population, meanwhile has seen tourist numbers surpass that of its citizens for the first time in 2023. Activists like Toninelli emphasize that the aim is not to eliminate tourism but to reform it to prioritize the community.
The wedding event is expected to feature around 200 guests, possibly including celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry. The couple's nuptials could potentially be set at the historic 10th Century Church of the Abbey of Misericordia, with many attendees likely staying in Venice's most luxurious accommodations.
Amid the protests, concerns continue regarding the over-commercialization of the city and the pressing need for a more balanced approach that considers both residents and visitors. Activists argue that substantial changes are necessary to preserve Venice's cultural heritage and ensure its inhabitants are prioritized in the city’s future.
A coalition of local activists, calling themselves the "No Space for Bezos" group, aims to raise awareness of how events like this symbolize the exploitation of Venice. Federica Toninelli, one of the group's spokespersons, believes this extravagant wedding exemplifies how the city is being utilized as a backdrop for wealthy individuals while neglecting the needs of local residents.
As part of their protest, activists have already unveiled anti-Bezos banners from notable landmarks, including the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica and the Rialto Bridge. Next week, they plan to stage peaceful disruptions by jumping into canals to block water taxis and obstruct narrow streets to prevent wedding guests from reaching the venue.
The group argues that their protest isn’t just against Bezos but also challenges the city's governance, accusing the mayor of favoring wealthy tourists over local inhabitants. While Mayor Luigi Brugnaro expressed support for the lavish event, personalities from Venice's local businesses contend that these celebrations generate necessary economic opportunities.
Venice, known for its beauty but facing a declining resident population, meanwhile has seen tourist numbers surpass that of its citizens for the first time in 2023. Activists like Toninelli emphasize that the aim is not to eliminate tourism but to reform it to prioritize the community.
The wedding event is expected to feature around 200 guests, possibly including celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry. The couple's nuptials could potentially be set at the historic 10th Century Church of the Abbey of Misericordia, with many attendees likely staying in Venice's most luxurious accommodations.
Amid the protests, concerns continue regarding the over-commercialization of the city and the pressing need for a more balanced approach that considers both residents and visitors. Activists argue that substantial changes are necessary to preserve Venice's cultural heritage and ensure its inhabitants are prioritized in the city’s future.
