Venice Protests Erupt Over Billionaire Wedding, Highlighting City’s Woes

The opulent Venice wedding of tech mogul Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez sparked protests, bringing simmering local grievances to a global stage. Issues like mass tourism, exorbitant rents, and elitism fueled demonstrations against the lavish event, underscoring the city’s struggle with sustainability and affordability.

A Visible Outcry

Protesters voiced their discontent, draping banners reading “No Space for Bezos” across the iconic Rialto Bridge and displaying similar messages in St. Mark’s Square. These displays were seen around the world. The demonstrations prompted the couple to relocate their after-party from the city center to a more remote location.

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“The idea that the city should be seen as a set, a stage, or an amusement park has been highlighted like never before by Bezos’ wedding,”

—Tommaso Cacciari, No Space for Bezos movement

In a final rally on Saturday, approximately 1,000 residents and activists gathered near the train station before marching to the Rialto Bridge. Data from the European Environmental Agency reveals that overtourism in Venice leads to increased pollution and damage to historical sites, with a direct correlation between tourist numbers and environmental degradation (European Environmental Agency 2024).

Local Perspectives and Economic Impact

Venetian businesses and politicians, however, largely embraced the wedding, anticipating its economic benefits. Luca Zaia, Veneto’s regional governor, expressed pride in hosting the event, while the protesters argued the city is prioritizing visitors over residents.

Alice Bazzoli, a 24-year-old university student, criticized Bezos, calling him a “hypocrite” for his donation to Venice, given the impact of private jets and yachts on the fragile ecosystem. She argued that the city should prioritize residents, not tourists.

Depopulation and Rising Costs

Venice faces a severe depopulation crisis, largely due to the increasing cost of living. The city’s historic center now has fewer than 50,000 residents, down from over 100,000 half a century ago. This trend is fueled by the high cost of housing, which pushes out younger generations seeking to start families.

Andrea Segre, a Venetian film director, noted that the city’s population is shrinking. “People aged 25 to 35 the age group that starts families cannot afford to live in Venice. The consequence is a lack of diversity and social liveliness,” he said.

The event also drew attention to the ties between Bezos and Donald Trump, as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attended the wedding.