Activists in Venice have staged a protest against the new day-tripper entry fee scheduled to come into effect on April 25. The protestors, including members of the Social Assembly for Housing and the Solidarity Network for Housing, occupied a council building and displayed banners criticizing the €5 tourist charge. They expressed their desire for a different vision for the city that doesn’t prioritize tourism above all else. The activists questioned the council’s spending priorities, particularly in light of the housing issues facing Venetians.
The protest highlighted the activists’ concerns about the insufficient housing plan proposed by the municipality. They argued that many Venetians, including students and workers, struggle to afford rent and lack adequate housing options. The demonstration aimed to not only oppose the entry fee but also promote a new vision for the city that prioritizes homes and services for residents over tourism. The activists emphasized the need for a political will to address the housing crisis in Venice and provide solutions for homeless people who are employed but lack a place to live.
Venice council has allocated funds to repair and redevelop approximately 500 empty apartments in various areas of the city. However, there are still around 2,000 properties vacant, contributing to the ongoing housing issues faced by locals. The council has stated that revenue from the entry fees will be directed towards services that benefit residents, such as maintenance and reducing living costs. Critics doubt that these measures will effectively address the influx of tourists, which has played a significant role in the depopulation of Venice. The city now has more tourist accommodations than permanent residents, raising concerns about the impact of tourism on the local community.
The activists from the Social Assembly for Housing and the Solidarity Network for Housing have emphasized the need for a new approach that prioritizes the well-being of Venetians over tourist interests. They have called for a shift away from a tourism-centric vision for the city towards one that focuses on providing affordable housing and essential services for residents. By challenging the introduction of the day-tripper entry fee and demanding a political commitment to addressing the housing crisis, the protesters are seeking to advocate for the needs of the local community and promote a more sustainable future for Venice.
The demonstration on Tuesday and the planned protest on April 25 aim to raise awareness about the housing issues in Venice and push for change in the city’s development priorities. By highlighting the paradox of the presence of homeless individuals who are employed but lack housing, the activists are drawing attention to the urgent need for solutions that address the root causes of the housing crisis. They are advocating for a city that values the rights and dignity of its residents over the interests of the tourism industry, and are calling for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to urban planning in Venice.
