Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is set to marry Lauren Sanchez in Venice, Italy this week. The couple will tie the knot after years of dating. The wedding is expected to take place over three days, likely from June 26 to 28. Reports suggest the couple has reserved the entire island of San Giorgio, located across from St Mark’s Square, for their wedding events. Around 200 guests are expected, including public figures such as Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, and Katy Perry. Guests are also expected to board Bezos’ $500 million yacht during the celebrations. But not all are celebrating. Locals and activists have raised concerns about the disruption caused by the extravagant wedding preparations and the impact of overtourism on the historic city.
Why are locals protesting against Jeff Bezos wedding in Venice
Activists from groups like “Everyone Hates Elon” and Greenpeace unfurled a large banner in St Mark’s Square on June 23, targeting Bezos and calling for higher taxation on the wealthy.
Another group, “No Space for Bezos,” is opposing the “privatisation of Venice”, criticising Amazon’s effect on small businesses and highlighting concerns about the company’s labour and environmental practices. Alice Bazzoli, a protester with the "No Space for Bezos" group, told local media: “He is going to treat the entire city as a private ballroom, as a private event area, as if the citizens are not there.”
One of the protestors told Reuters: “The problem is not the wedding, the problem is the system. We think that one big billionaire can't rent a city for his pleasure.”
Activists have also pointed to Bezos' reported 1.1% effective tax rate, questioning how someone with such wealth contributes so little in taxes.
What the officials say
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and Veneto Governor Luca Zaia have defended the high-profile wedding, saying it could bring an estimated €20 to €30 million to the local economy. According to Reuters, Zaia said that businesses such as gondola operators and luxury caterers are likely to benefit from the event.
Why are locals protesting against Jeff Bezos wedding in Venice
Activists from groups like “Everyone Hates Elon” and Greenpeace unfurled a large banner in St Mark’s Square on June 23, targeting Bezos and calling for higher taxation on the wealthy.
Another group, “No Space for Bezos,” is opposing the “privatisation of Venice”, criticising Amazon’s effect on small businesses and highlighting concerns about the company’s labour and environmental practices. Alice Bazzoli, a protester with the "No Space for Bezos" group, told local media: “He is going to treat the entire city as a private ballroom, as a private event area, as if the citizens are not there.”
One of the protestors told Reuters: “The problem is not the wedding, the problem is the system. We think that one big billionaire can't rent a city for his pleasure.”
Activists have also pointed to Bezos' reported 1.1% effective tax rate, questioning how someone with such wealth contributes so little in taxes.
What the officials say
Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and Veneto Governor Luca Zaia have defended the high-profile wedding, saying it could bring an estimated €20 to €30 million to the local economy. According to Reuters, Zaia said that businesses such as gondola operators and luxury caterers are likely to benefit from the event.
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