Greenpeace Joins Anti-Bezos Protest In Venice With Banner Targeting Tax Breaks

Greenpeace recently joined a wave of protests in Venice against the wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez.

Greenpeace said its goal was to draw attention to the low taxes many billionaires pay while allegedly worsening the climate crisis through unsustainable lifestyles. I Photo: © Greenpeace / Michele Lapini

Half a dozen protesters unfurled a giant banner in St. Mark’s Square reading: “IF YOU CAN RENT VENICE FOR YOUR WEDDING, YOU CAN PAY MORE TAX.” Local police quickly removed the banner, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The demonstration followed a series of other anti-Bezos actions last week, including a banner draped from the San Giorgio bell tower, another from the Rialto Bridge, and posters around the city criticizing the wedding and the impact of overtourism on Venice.

The “No Space for Bezos” movement—a play on words also referencing the bride’s recent space flight—has united a dozen Venetian groups, including housing advocates, anti-cruise ship campaigners, and university organizations.

Activists argue the wedding highlights broader failures in municipal governance, particularly the prioritization of tourism over residents' needs.

Greenpeace said it partnered with the British group “Everyone Hates Elon”—known for smashing Teslas in protest of Elon Musk—for Monday’s banner action. The NGO said its goal was to draw attention to the low taxes many billionaires pay while allegedly worsening the climate crisis through unsustainable lifestyles.

Italian and Venetian officials have strongly criticized the protests and expressed support for the Bezos-Sanchez nuptials, which are scheduled for later this week.