Italy Plays Up ‘No Space for Bezos’ Versus ‘Welcome, Mr. Amazon!’
No Space for Bezos versus Welcome, Mr. Amazon!
The recent three-day wedding celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in Venice have caused quite a stir in the global media. However, in Italy, the extravagant nuptials have sparked a heated political debate alongside the paparazzi frenzy.
The wedding, held on the island of San Giorgio in the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio, was attended by a star-studded guest list including Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, the Kardashians, Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. The event was covered extensively by the Italian press.
Left-leaning publication La Repubblica criticized the wedding for its location on the same island where 16th-century painter Paolo Veronese’s iconic painting “The Wedding Feast at Cana” is displayed in the Louvre. The editorial suggested that the wedding served as a display of contemporary soft power, showcasing the influence and status of the billionaire couple.
On the other hand, the more centrist Corriere della Sera featured an interview with Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro, who expressed pride in hosting the event and dismissed claims of militarization. The mayor highlighted the presence of high-profile guests in Venice as a positive aspect for the city.
The wedding, with its 200 guests, three days of festivities, and 27 dress changes for Lauren Sánchez, was a spectacle captured in numbers by Corriere della Sera.
Despite criticism from “No Space for Bezos” campaigners, who argue that Venice is becoming a playground for the rich at the expense of local residents, the wedding proceeded with some adjustments. The venue was moved from the Scuola Grande della Misericordia to the ancient Arsenale shipyards.
Contrary to claims of “overtourism,” a report by Italy’s Minister of Tourism indicated a drop in overnight stays in Venice. The wedding was projected to have a significant economic impact on the city, injecting nearly $1.1 billion into the local economy.
As a lighter aspect, Corriere della Sera highlighted the elaborate security measures at the wedding, including ex-marines hired by Bezos, Italian anti-riot police, and a bomb-sniffing dog named Elvis.
