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Protests errupt in Venice as Trumps ambassador arrives in $450M superyacht
Hundreds protested the arrival of billionaire and Trump-appointed US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta in Venice. ... part of a tour marking 250 years of American independence.
Fertitta's yacht, which is 117 meters long (384 feet) and worth an estimated $450 million (€393 million), loomed over historic buildings lining the lagoon.
Police boats patrolled the surrounding waters, while riot police guarded waterfront access points.
Around 300 protesters joined the rally in the city's historic center, carrying signs reading "Fertitta must go," "Make America Go Away," "Venice must not be used" and "No space for billionaires."
Fertitta is among America's 100 wealthiest individuals with a net worth totaling $11.3 billion. He built his fortune managing restaurants, hotels and casinos, and currently also owns Houston's basketball team.
...
His appointment as envoy to Italy was part of a pattern of Trump selecting donors and allies for ambassadorial posts in Europe.
"It's arrogant to think he can do what he wants in a city that is ever more sold to the single culture of tourism,” organizer Stella Morion told the AP. "It is the umpteenth slap in the face of a city and all of the people in Venice who struggle to reach the end of the month due to an increase in prices caused by Trump's war.”
Last year, many of the groups had protested the wedding of Amazon head Jeff Bezos to Lauren Sanchez.
...
Luana Zanella... criticized the use of police resources, calling it "sheer madness."
Fertitta's yacht, which is 117 meters long (384 feet) and worth an estimated $450 million (€393 million), loomed over historic buildings lining the lagoon.
Police boats patrolled the surrounding waters, while riot police guarded waterfront access points.
Around 300 protesters joined the rally in the city's historic center, carrying signs reading "Fertitta must go," "Make America Go Away," "Venice must not be used" and "No space for billionaires."
Fertitta is among America's 100 wealthiest individuals with a net worth totaling $11.3 billion. He built his fortune managing restaurants, hotels and casinos, and currently also owns Houston's basketball team.
...
His appointment as envoy to Italy was part of a pattern of Trump selecting donors and allies for ambassadorial posts in Europe.
"It's arrogant to think he can do what he wants in a city that is ever more sold to the single culture of tourism,” organizer Stella Morion told the AP. "It is the umpteenth slap in the face of a city and all of the people in Venice who struggle to reach the end of the month due to an increase in prices caused by Trump's war.”
Last year, many of the groups had protested the wedding of Amazon head Jeff Bezos to Lauren Sanchez.
...
Luana Zanella... criticized the use of police resources, calling it "sheer madness."
https://www.dw.com/en/billionaire-us-envoy-faces-venice-protests-amid-yacht-tour/a-78015401
7 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Their behavior is supposed to be, well ... diplomatic. They aren't supposed to visit foreign countries to show off their wealth and access to the US President.
Their purpose is to facilitate communication between our government and the host country. Also as the highest-ranking American in the host country they are there to offer assistance to other Americans who may need help while traveling or living abroad. In other words, Ambassadors are "public servants," in the highest sense of the term.
If Ambassador Tilman is causing resentment and protests by one of our closest allies, it is very concerning. He's not the president, he is a guest in Italy. So he needs to act like one, with humility and gratitude for their hospitality.
