Finance

Venice Revolts: Jeff Bezos' Wedding Sparks Local Fury Over City’s Struggles

2025-06-14

Author: Ting

Activists Rise Against Extravagance in Venice

Marta Sottoriva, a passionate teacher in Venice, is at the forefront of a fiery movement against the lavish wedding of billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. As Venice grapples with the crushing weight of overtourism, Sottoriva and fellow activists are vigorously campaigning against what they view as an exploitative event that further commodifies their beloved city.

A Wedding Fit for Billionaires

The star-studded wedding, set to commence on June 24, promises to be the largest celebration Venice has seen since George Clooney's nuptials in 2014. However, unlike the Clooneys’ celebration, which was largely embraced by locals, the impending Bezos affair has ignited widespread resentment.

Activism Against Amazon's Empire

From protests with banners to distributing flyers, the "No Space for Bezos" campaign has taken the city by storm. Posters featuring an image of Bezos launching into space—tying back to his Blue Origin venture—have appeared throughout Venice, rallying locals to resist the billionaire wedding. Bold actions, like a massive banner declaring "No Bezos" at San Giorgio basilica, demonstrate the activists' determination.

Frustration Brews Over City Governance

Sottoriva expresses the collective frustration: "Our city has been sold to the highest bidder. Every large event puts Venice on hold, inundating us with even more tourists than before." This wedding has become a symbol of everything wrong with the city she loves.

Secrecy and Speculation Surround the Event

Details about the wedding remain tightly under wraps, fueling speculation. Rumors abound regarding high-profile guests, exclusive hotel bookings, and extravagant expenses reportedly nearing €8.4 million. While city officials assert the economic benefits, critics highlight the disconnect between the elite event and the everyday struggles of local residents.

Calls for Responsible Philanthropy

Local political figures, like Giovanni Andrea Martini, voice their concerns that an event like this could simultaneously underline the pressing issues of affordable housing in Venice. Martini suggests that Bezos should contribute to restoring abandoned council homes as a gesture of goodwill.

Official Responses to the Backlash

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has dismissed the protests as "shameful," asserting that the wedding won't disrupt the city. Meanwhile, some city officials downplay fears of chaos, claiming that previous large events have been managed without issue.

The Fight for Venice’s Identity Continues

Despite officials' reassurances, Sottoriva and activists are undeterred, planning a major demonstration on the wedding day. "We’re going to make our voices heard," she emphasizes. The unfolding events highlight the tension between opulence and everyday life in a city that many believe is losing its identity to wealthy elites.