Activists in Venice are planning to disrupt Jeff Bezos’s upcoming wedding, sparking controversy over the luxury event and its impact on the city. The protests, organized by the No Space for Bezos group, aim to raise awareness about the exploitation of Venice as a tourist destination and the displacement of residents.
Bezos, 61, is set to marry fiancée Lauren Sánchez next week in a lavish ceremony that will shut down parts of the famous city. Hundreds of high-profile guests are expected, including celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Katy Perry, at an estimated cost of millions.
The protests come as Venice faces growing concerns over its tourism industry, which has led to housing shortages and increased displacement of residents. The city’s population has dwindled from 175,000 in 1950 to just under 49,000 today.
Activists argue that the wedding is a symbol of the exploitation of Venice by outsiders, who prioritize luxury events over the needs of local residents. They plan to disrupt the festivities with peaceful protests, including jumping into the canals and blocking narrow streets.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has defended the event, saying it will bring in work and wealth for the city. However, opposition politicians argue that the entrance fee scheme introduced last year has not helped spread out the flow of tourists.
The No Space for Bezos group believes that the wedding highlights the need for a post-tourism transition in Venice, where residents are prioritized over visitors. The protests aim to spark a citywide conversation about the future of the city and its relationship with tourism.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3kd7qz6n1o