Protests Planned Against U.S. Ambassador’s Super Yacht Visit to Venice
Venice, Italy – Activists in Venice are preparing to protest the upcoming visit of U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, who plans to arrive onboard his opulent 117-meter super yacht, Boardwalk, on July 17. The demonstration targets not only the ambassador’s presence but also broader concerns regarding the commercialization of Venice by the affluent elite.
Stella Faye, a 28-year-old researcher and activist, voiced the sentiments of many locals, stating, “We ruined Jeff Bezos’s wedding last year – this year let’s ruin the ambassador’s tour!” This sentiment echoes last year’s disruption of Amazon founder Bezos’s wedding, exemplifying growing frustrations among Venetians about wealthy individuals undermining their city’s cultural integrity.
Fertitta’s visit coincides with a cruise along Italy’s coast as part of a campaign dubbed “Coastal Diplomacy 250,” celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and fostering ties between Italy and the United States. As he sails through Venice, many locals fear that his luxury yacht will dock in the historic center during the Festa del Redentore, a significant local event honoring the end of a devastating plague that ravaged Venice in the 16th century.
To celebrate Redentore, Venetians construct a temporary floating bridge to facilitate access to the Redentore Church, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display that draws thousands to the waterfront. Faye remarked, “Redentore is one of the few occasions that still belongs to the people of Venice.” The potential obstruction of this cherished experience by Fertitta’s yacht, with its six decks, dual helipads, and reported $450 million valuation, has caused widespread unease among the locals.
Activists, such as Giulia Cacopardo, 29, criticized city officials for permitting such ostentation in Venice. “Allowing this yacht to dock would be a slap in the face for Venetians,” she asserted. Cacopardo highlighted the precarious living situations faced by many residents amid escalating costs and a shortage of affordable housing. The presence of billionaires, she contended, demonstrates an insensitivity towards the struggles of ordinary Venetians.
Concerns extend beyond aesthetics; activists argue that the focus on the ambassador’s arrival may distract local law enforcement from ensuring safety during Redentore. Faye pointed out, “This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a danger to the public.”
The protesters adopt the slogan “Venezia non si USA” (“Stop using Venice”), indicating their opposition to Fertitta’s ties to the administration of former President Donald Trump, whom they accuse of warmongering and colonialist attitudes. Fertitta, estimated to have a net worth of $14.2 billion, has financially supported Trump, further inflaming local sentiment against his visit.
Tensions are heightened by recent political friction between Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The strained relationship escalated when Trump claimed Meloni had “begged” to have a photo taken with him during the G7 summit, a statement she vehemently denied. Fertitta, however, dismissed this friction in a recent interview, asserting that both leaders are aligned in their diplomatic objectives.
As the community revolts against what they perceive as the commodification of their city, both the U.S. embassy in Rome and the Venice port authority were contacted for statements regarding the situation, but responses have not yet been provided.
In summary, the planned protest against Ambassador Fertitta’s arrival reflects broader struggles in Venice over cultural preservation and local identity dynamics amid the influence of wealth. Venetians are determined to assert their right to celebrate their traditions free from the overshadowing presence of capitalism.
