Venice, citizens protesting over entry tickets: clashes with the police

(LaPresse) In Venice, hundreds of people demonstrated in protest against the entry into force of the entry ticket for tourists in the lagoon city. Moments of tension between the march participants and the police. The demonstrators, after having occupied Piazzale Roma, attempted to leave in a procession towards the historic center of the city, coming into contact with the cordon of officers in riot gear. The deployed agents repelled them with charges. On the day of the Liberation Day, the citizens of Venice marched against the Municipality’s decision, arguing that the entry tax will not solve the problems of excessive tourism and depopulation that afflict the city. According to many, the municipal administration would be better off investing in social housing and placing limits on the spread of B&Bs. Venice launched a pilot program on Thursday 25 April to charge tourists a 5 euro entry fee which authorities hope will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days, making the city more liveable for its residents, who are increasingly decreasing. Violators risk fines of 50 to 300 euros, but officials said “common sense” was applied to the launch. The entrance fee applies only to people arriving between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm. Outside these hours, access is free and uncontrolled.