Showdown in Venice
As the sun sets over the historic city of Venice, a sense of unease is building among residents and activists. The city’s picturesque canals and stunning architecture are set to be disrupted once again, this time by the visit of the US ambassador, Tilman Fertitta, and his 117-metre superyacht, Boardwalk. The billionaire entrepreneur’s plans to dock in the city’s lagoon as part of a “Coastal Diplomacy 250” tour have sparked outrage among locals, who are preparing to protest against what they see as an affront to their city’s values.
Fertitta, an entertainment mogul with an estimated net worth of $14.2bn, has a reputation for flaunting his wealth. His yacht, equipped with two helipads and two swimming pools, is reportedly worth $450m and is set to dominate the city’s skyline. For many Venetians, the sight of the yacht will be a painful reminder of the city’s struggles. “The city letting this yacht come to Venice would be a slap in the face for Venetians,” says Giulia Cacopardo, a 29-year-old activist and cultural coordinator. “In a city where quality of life is in tatters because there’s nowhere to live and only precarious jobs, we have billionaires thinking they can do whatever they want. It shows the arrogance of money – coming to a party for citizens that you probably don’t know anything about.”
The protest against Fertitta’s visit is not just about the disruption caused by the yacht, but also about the values that it represents. For many Venetians, the city’s beauty and uniqueness are being eroded by the presence of wealthy tourists and entrepreneurs. “Redentore is one of the few occasions that still belongs to the people of Venice,” says Stella Faye, a 28-year-old researcher and activist. “But this year, we can expect to have our view of the fireworks obstructed by the ambassador’s yacht.” The Festa del Redentore, a celebration of the city’s history and culture, is a time when Venetians come together to give thanks for their survival. But this year, the presence of Fertitta’s yacht may turn what was once a joyful occasion into a source of contention.
Fertitta’s role in the “warmongering and colonialist” Trump administration has also drawn the ire of protesters. His involvement in the 2024 presidential campaign and his estimated net worth of $14.2bn make him a target for those who see him as a symbol of American imperialism. “We ruined the party for Jeff Bezos’s wedding last year – this year let’s ruin the ambassador’s tour!” Faye declared at a meeting of protesters on Thursday. The slogan “Venezia non si USA” (“Stop using Venice”) is a clear expression of the protesters’ message: that their city should not be used as a playground for the wealthy and powerful.
As the city prepares for the protest, officials are under pressure to respond. The US embassy in Rome and the port authority in Venice have been contacted for comment, but so far, there has been no response. The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been at odds with Trump over recent diplomatic spats. The tension between the two leaders has worsened in recent weeks, with Trump claiming that Meloni had “begged” him to pose for a photo on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Meloni shot back, saying that neither she nor Italy had ever begged for anything.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the protest will be successful in disrupting Fertitta’s visit. But one thing is clear: the people of Venice will not go quietly. They will stand up for their city and their values, and they will not be intimidated by the presence of billionaires and their yachts. The question now is: what next? Will the city authorities cave to pressure and allow Fertitta to dock in the city’s central waterfront, or will they take a stand and refuse to let him disrupt the Festa del Redentore? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the people of Venice will not be silenced.
In the lead-up to the protest, Venetians are preparing for a confrontation. Activists are distributing flyers and social media posts, calling for people to join the demonstration and to “stop using Venice.” The hashtag #VeneziaNonSiUSA is trending on social media, with many Venetians expressing their anger and frustration at the city’s treatment of the city’s values and history. As the city prepares for the protest, the question on everyone’s lips is: what will happen next? Will the protest be successful in disrupting Fertitta’s visit, or will the city authorities find a way to accommodate him? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the people of Venice will not go quietly.