In the picturesque canals of Venice, local activists are celebrating what they describe as an "enormous victory" following a shift in the wedding plans of U.S. billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez. Facing significant protests against over-tourism and the environmental impact of such lavish events, Bezos’ wedding celebration has been relocated from the city's historic center to the more distant Arsenale venue.
Originally slated to culminate in a grand event at the esteemed Scuola Grande della Misericordia, the change comes as a result of mounting pressure from locals opposing the transformation of their city into a luxurious playground for the ultra-rich. “We are very proud of this! We are nobodies, we have no money, nothing! We managed to move one of the most powerful people in the world,” expressed Tommaso Cacciari, a member of the activist group No Space for Bezos.
As preparations for the star-studded nuptials attract celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Mick Jagger, protests have intensified from various groups. Activists are making their voices heard through striking visuals across the city, such as posters and banners condemning the unchecked wealth and excessive lifestyles associated with billionaires. One activist, Simona Abbate from Greenpeace, poignantly noted that the event symbolizes a lifestyle that is unsustainable, exacerbating climate issues that disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.
Not all agree with the protesters. City officials believe that high-profile events like Bezos' wedding provide significant economic benefits to Venice. Simone Venturini, a city councillor for economic development, argued these protests do not reflect the majority opinion of Venetians, stating, “These protesters behave as if they own Venice but they don’t.”
The ongoing dialogue about over-tourism remains critical in Venice, a city grappling with rising water levels and frequent flooding. Despite local authorities implementing a small tourist tax, activists claim it has done little to deter the influx of visitors. Cacciari criticized the perception of Venice as merely a backdrop for exclusive events, stating, "He's sending the message that all the city is a background for a party of billionaires."
With the wedding on the horizon, plans for a larger protest march are set to unfold, asserting that this celebration is not just a personal affair but a representation of the wider systemic issues plaguing the city's cultural integrity and environmental sustainability.
