Bezos' Venice wedding remains the target of protests on second day

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos' three-day wedding to journalist Lauren Sánchez in Venice, Italy, continued to spark protests on the second day of the celebrations on Friday (27). Today, activists from the group "No Space for Bezos" laser-engraved slogans on the tower of St. Mark's Basilica against the couple's presence in the city, while Italian politicians continued to defend the event for its local economic impact.

According to the protest organizers, the action anticipated another demonstration planned for Saturday (28), the last day of the wedding, when a procession of activists from all over northeastern Italy will march through the capital of Veneto, departing from Santa Lucia Station.

While protesters have been peacefully protesting Bezos' wedding in the city for days, Italy's Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè defended the event, calling it "exceptionally important for the country and for Venice, especially at a time when tourism in the city is declining, with overnight stays down 6.7% in the first few months of 2025" - figures that include the introduction of an entrance fee to Venice for tourists who are not staying there.

The minister reported that according to an estimate made by the ministry in partnership with the Veneto region, the marriage of the owner of Amazon "could generate an overall economic impact of approximately 957.3 million euros (R$6.1 billion), equivalent to almost 68% of Venice's annual tourism revenue". In addition, the approximately 200 guests at the party "will have a significant impact on the entire hospitality and services system".

"Bezos' wedding is a strong sign of Italy's growing centrality on the international tourism scene. Events like this strengthen our global image, generate jobs, promote the territory and attract new flows of qualified tourists," said Santanchè, thanking the American billionaire "and all those who choose Italy as the stage to celebrate the most important moments of their lives."