As Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez‘s wedding draws closer, protests have broken out in Venice, citing the “exploitation of the city” as the reason. Activists have launched protests against the Amazon founder for his lavish ceremony, which is resulting in the shutdown of parts of the popular Italian city.
Venice activists launch protests against Jeff Bezos a week ahead of wedding
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding ceremony might face some disruption as protests break out in Venice days before the couple is scheduled to exchange their vows. According to the BBC, hundreds of guests will be heading to the Italian city for the nuptials. The grand affair will reportedly take over the entire island of San Giorgio, with all the luxury hotels and most water taxis already booked out.
Activists have come together to form the protest group No Space for Bezos. It consists of individuals in the anti-cruise ship group as well as people campaigning for more housing for the locals. An activist from the protest group, Federica Toninelli, told the outlet, “Venice is being treated like a showcase, a stage. And this wedding is the symbol of the exploitation of the city by outsiders.”
She further highlighted that the city has been reduced to “just an asset” and that “these topics are all linked.” Toninelli stressed how the authorities prioritize tourists over residents. She emphasized that the government has put outsiders “at the centre of its politics.” No Space for Bezos plans to disrupt the celebration by jumping into Venice’s infamous canals to stop water taxis. It also intends to block the narrow streets of the Italian city to hinder guests.
However, No Space for Bezos has clarified that they plan to keep the protests peaceful. The group wants to “spark a citywide conversation” about “people like Bezos” and how they “are not welcome here.” Toninelli claims the Amazon founder represents “a future we don’t want and a world we don’t want to live in.” She hopes the protests will highlight the problem of replacing housing with rentals. The activist noted, “A city administration that puts residents – and not visitors – front and centre would be a good step forward.”
