Skip to playerSkip to main contentSkip to footer
  • 4 days ago

Visit our website:
http://www.france24.com

Like us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FRANCE24.English

Follow us on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/France24_en
Transcript
00:00Venice's romantic streets and canals have long been a draw for visitors, but as the tourist
00:06season really gets going, one upcoming arrival in particular has sparked deep anger and a
00:11grassroots-level protest against Jeff Bezos and his decision to hold his marriage in the Italian
00:16city. Unfurling a huge banner above the famed Piazza San Marco last week, it underlined the
00:22collective's message that the billionaire isn't welcome and that no space for Bezos,
00:27the collective's name is a slogan spreading rapidly with exasperated inhabitants.
00:36It's going to be impossible to get around, to live in this town that's more and more being sold off
00:40to tourists, to stars and billionaires. We're not against them getting married, but we young people
00:48are struggling every day in this city where it's become impossible to find a place to live.
00:52All it took was the ultimate billionaire and everything was easy for him.
00:58Rumors have swirled since news of the wedding broke, with local media reporting luxury hotels
01:03booked out for guests along with a fleet of water taxis and the city's famous gondolas.
01:08All nonsense according to local authorities, who have focused on a major incoming economic boost.
01:14He's someone who's done great things on a global level. We're extremely proud. I don't know if we'll
01:19have time to meet or shake hands, but it's an honor that he's chosen Venice and we're happy that
01:24he's come in here with all of his friends. Last time Venice saw major celebrity nuptials was when
01:30George and Amal Clooney tied the knot in 2014, with locals keenly remembering how the city was stuck
01:35at a standstill for several days.

Recommended

0:19
0:15
0:22