Greenpeace has joined ongoing protests surrounding the high-profile wedding of American tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and journalist Laura Sanchez in Venice this week.
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Nicknamed “the wedding of the century,” this extravagant event is expected to draw around 200 guests, including notable figures such as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, alongside various stars from the realms of film, fashion, and business.
However, many locals view this celebration as another instance of the commercialization of their historic city, which has long faced the challenges of overtourism and a declining population. As one protester put it, “It’s not just about the wedding; it’s about a system that allows one billionaire to rent out a city for personal enjoyment.”
Activists from Greenpeace Italy and the UK group “Everyone Hates Elon” have already made their voices heard, unfurling a large banner in St. Mark’s Square featuring a laughing Bezos, accompanied by the powerful message: “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax.”
Local officials like Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and regional governor Luca Zaia defend the wedding, citing its potential economic benefits for local businesses, including motorboat and gondola operators. Mr. Zaia mentioned that the celebrations are expected to generate an estimated €30 million for the local economy.
In addition to the wedding festivities, Mr. Bezos is expected to contribute significantly to charitable causes, reportedly donating one million euros to Corila, an academic consortium focused on studying Venice’s lagoon ecosystem, according to Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper and ANSA news agency.
Earlier this month, anti-Bezos banners were displayed from St. Mark’s bell tower and the iconic Rialto bridge, with locals even suggesting peaceful blockades against the event. They emphasized that Venice requires a focus on public services and housing rather than an influx of VIPs and the pressures of overtourism.
While the specific dates and locations for the lavish nuptials remain under wraps, festivities are anticipated to unfold over three days, likely around June 26 to 28.
“In a community like ours, it’s vital to prioritize the needs of the residents first,” added another protester, echoing the sentiments of many who are concerned for their beloved city.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
