Venetians Rally Against Jeff Bezos's Extravagant Wedding

As Jeff Bezos prepares to marry Lauren Sánchez in Venice, local citizens have organized protests against the event, fearing it will exacerbate existing issues of tourism and displacement in their historic city.

In a stunningly picturesque setting, the upcoming wedding of Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sánchez in Venice has stirred significant discontent among local residents. Scheduled for late June, the opulent event coincides with the busy tourist season, prompting calls for protests from various citizens' groups determined to protect their beloved city's character.

The protests are set for June 26 to 28, with local activists planning to assemble at strategic points, notably the iconic Rialto Bridge. “Bezos will never get to The Misericordia,” declared protest organizer Federica Toninello, referring to the rumored wedding venue. Her impassioned rallying cry to the gathered crowd emphasized the urgency of their mission: “We will line the streets with our bodies, block the canals with lifesavers, dinghies, and our boats.”

At the heart of their dissent lies a growing frustration among Venetians concerning the city's transformation into a playground for the affluent and tourists. Protesters assert that the influx of wealthy visitors during events like Bezos's wedding contributes directly to rising housing costs, resulting in a city where only the wealthy can afford to live. Addressing the assembled 300 individuals, Toninello articulated the local sentiment: “We have to block this idea of this city as a tourist haven that has driven up housing costs.”

Echoing their concerns, residents lament the potential disturbance caused by the extensive security and logistical arrangements required for the high-profile wedding, further encroaching on their daily lives. With only a dwindling number of Venetians remaining to experience life in their historic city, residents feel the stakes have never been higher.

Despite the mounting tensions, representatives for Bezos and Sánchez have not commented on the planned protests. In the interim, the local government has instituted measures like weekend and holiday entry fees to manage the influx of tourists amid mounting complaints from long-time residents facing difficulties due to increased commercialization.