Protesters denounced the Amazon billionaire’s multimillion-dollar marriage ceremony in Venice as town offers with environmental considerations.
Lots of of protesters marched by Venice to say “no” to Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos’s marriage ceremony on its third day of a multimillion-dollar celebration.
The world’s fourth-richest man, Bezos, and his bride, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, received married in a non-public ceremony on Friday with about 200 movie star friends on the secluded island of San Giorgio.
However earlier than the ultimate celebration on Saturday night as a part of a three-day marriage ceremony occasion, protesters stuffed Venice’s central streets and held banners that learn “Kisses Sure, Bezos No” and “No Bezos, no Warfare”.
One other poster learn: “The planet is burning, however don’t fear, right here’s the listing of the 27 attire of Lauren Sanchez.”
For the previous few days, residents have protested throughout town over what they’ve stated is anger as Venice suffers from over-tourism, excessive housing prices and the fixed menace of climate-induced flooding.
Martina Vergnano, one of many demonstrators, stated they have been right here to “proceed ruining the plans of those wealthy folks, who accumulate cash by exploiting many different folks … whereas the circumstances of this metropolis stay precarious”.
In response to the Venetian Environmental Analysis Affiliation, Bezos donated 1 million euros ($1.17m) every to 3 environmental analysis organisations working to protect Venice.
Flavio Cogo, a resident who additionally joined Saturday’s protest, stated they need a “free Venice, which is lastly devoted to its residents”.
“These donations are only a distress and solely geared toward clearing Bezos’ conscience,” Cogo stated.
Venetian companies and political leaders welcomed the marriage, regardless of the protests, and hailed it as a major financial increase.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro stated these protesting have been “in contradiction with the historical past of Venice, which is a historical past of relations, contacts and enterprise”.
“Bezos embodies the Venetian mentality. He’s extra Venetian than the protesters,” stated the centre-right mayor, including that he hoped Bezos would return to town to do enterprise.
