The upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice has ignited a series of protests organized by environmental and local activist groups. These demonstrations, which took place on Monday, have attracted attention from organizations such as Greenpeace and the British group known as “Everyone Hates Elon.”
Protesters made their presence known in St. Mark’s Square, where they displayed a banner that read, “If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax.” This statement underscores the sentiments of many locals who feel that the wealthy elite often evade their fiscal responsibilities while prioritizing extravagant celebrations over community welfare.
Widespread protest movement
The protests are part of a larger initiative dubbed the “No Space for Bezos” movement, a nod to Sanchez’s recent venture into space travel. Demonstrators have adorned various iconic sites around the city, including the Rialto Bridge and the San Giorgio bell tower, with banners and posters expressing their discontent.
This coalition of activists encompasses housing advocates, anti-cruise ship campaigners, and student groups, all uniting against what they perceive as the city’s excessive focus on tourism at the expense of its residents. The movement aims to shed light on issues related to housing affordability and the negative environmental impacts stemming from mass tourism.
Official response
Greenpeace has articulated that the purpose of the protest is not only to address billionaire tax avoidance but also to draw attention to the environmental concerns associated with luxurious lifestyles. Despite the strong pushback from activists, local officials have shown a welcoming attitude towards Bezos and Sanchez’s high-profile wedding.
The wedding is scheduled to be held from June 24 to June 26, although some sources have indicated that it may occur from June 26 to June 29. As the date approaches, the tension between the celebratory occasion and the voices of dissent continues to grow, highlighting the complexities of affluence in a city struggling with the effects of tourism.