On Friday evening, approximately 300 demonstrators clashed with riot police in Venice after the US ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta, arrived aboard his $450 million superyacht amidst the city's cherished Redentore festival. Fertitta has been cruising along the Italian coast this summer on his yacht, Boardwalk, accompanied by family and staff. He has referred to this journey as a form of "coastal diplomacy" to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Fertitta, a prominent supporter and donor to Trump, faced backlash for his timing in Venice. The Redentore festival is a significant local event, and his yacht docked right in front of the area where residents usually gather to enjoy the festival's renowned fireworks display.
Protesters Take to the Streets
Instead of welcoming Fertitta, crowds gathered to protest his presence. Demonstrators displayed signs stating "Venice is not for sale" and criticized Trump. Riot police intervened to prevent protesters from approaching the ambassador's yacht, while some in the crowd threw inflatable pool toys at the officers and voiced their discontent through megaphones, targeting the American government.
Daniele Giordano, secretary of the CGIL union in Venice, addressed the protesters, condemning the decision to host Fertitta's yacht during such an important local celebration. He argued that the yacht's presence contradicted principles of environmental and social sustainability.
One protester, Emanuele Lepore, shared his frustration with Reuters, emphasizing the struggle residents face to assert that their city is not for sale. He described Venice as a place being drained of its essence, losing housing, public services, and livable space to affluent outsiders.
Who Is Tilman Fertitta?
According to Forbes, Fertitta's net worth is estimated to be just under $11 billion, with business interests in casinos, sports franchises, and restaurants across the US. He has claimed that he is personally funding the yacht's expenses for his family and guests. However, neither the US embassy nor Italian authorities have revealed the costs incurred by Italian taxpayers for the security measures needed to protect him and his entourage during the trip.
Fertitta's itinerary includes visits to 13 different ports until Labor Day, where he plans to engage with local business leaders, celebrities, and American guests aboard his yacht, necessitating increased security both on land and at sea.
Echoes of Last Summer's Bezos Backlash
This incident is not the first instance of organized resistance against wealthy visitors in Venice. The same activist groups that protested last summer's high-profile wedding of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez also rallied against Fertitta's arrival, mobilizing support through social media.
The Redentore festival, which has historical roots dating back to the end of a devastating plague in 1576, typically sees thousands of attendees filling the canals in boats, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the city.
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