Venice Protests Bezos Wedding Amid Overtourism Anger

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding, planned for June 24 in Venice, has triggered protests from local residents who argue that city officials are prioritizing billionaires and tourism over the needs of the Venetian community. Groups like 'No Space for Bezos' have threatened to block canals and disrupt the festivities, citing concerns about overtourism, resident displacement, and environmental harm. The event is set to feature high security, restricted access, and the reservation of numerous luxury hotels and water taxis, amplifying fears of worsening the city's tourism-related issues. Venice's mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, has dismissed the protests as shameful, calling the wedding an honor and claiming it will not significantly disrupt daily life. These demonstrations align with a broader wave of anti-tourism protests in southern European cities such as Barcelona and Lisbon. Many residents feel their city is being transformed into a playground for the wealthy at the expense of local heritage and community.