Protests are being organised in Venice over the visit of US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta
This is reported by UNN.
Why are activists opposed to this?
According to the publication, Tilman Fertitta will visit Venice as part of the Coastal Diplomacy 250 tour, marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Protesters fear that the six-deck superyacht Boardwalk, valued at approximately $450 million, will moor in the city’s historic centre during the traditional Festa del Redentore celebrations.
Activists stress that this festival belongs first and foremost to the residents of Venice and should not be turned into a showcase for luxury.
“Allowing this yacht to enter Venice would be a slap in the face for its residents. In a city where people are facing a housing crisis and job insecurity, billionaires are behaving as if they can do whatever they like,” said activist Giulia Cacopardo.
The organisers have chosen a slogan for the protests
The protest is planned to be held under the slogan ‘Venezia non si USA’ (‘Don’t use Venice’).
The organisers explain that they are protesting not only against the arrival of the superyacht, but also against what they see as the city increasingly being used to flaunt status and wealth.
Furthermore, protesters are concerned that, due to the visit of the American diplomat, a significant portion of the police force may be deployed to provide his security.
It is worth recalling that in 2025, Venice was already the scene of large-scale protests during the wedding celebrations of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. At the time, activists demanded that the historic city not be turned into a venue for billionaires’ private events and highlighted the negative impact of overtourism on the lives of local residents.
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