Historic Elections in Venice: Bangladeshi Candidates Aim for Change Amidst Racism and Political Struggle

Rhitu Miah, one of seven candidates from the Bangladeshi-Italian community, is making her mark in Venice's local elections as a potential pioneer for Bangladeshi representation in the lagoon city's administration. As she campaigned, she faced a barrage of racist and sexist remarks online, with one comment bizarrely suggesting she 'get on a camel and go back to my own country.' Despite this, Miah, an architect and an Italian citizen since she moved to Venice at the age of three, remains determined to challenge prejudices and advocate for her community. Miah's use of social media to promote integration has garnered her over 200,000 followers. She is part of a larger movement within the Bangladeshi community, which consists of around 20,000 people, primarily in Mestre, to gain political representation and influence local governance. Miah argues that the community has valuable skills and insights that can contribute significantly to the city. This election marks a potential turning point for Venice as the center-left Democratic Party (PD), led by mayoral candidate Andrea Martella, looks to unseat 11 years of conservative governance. The campaign has largely focused on addressing the city's pressing issues—housing crises, strained social services, and the looming threat of overtourism—while also navigating the complexities introduced by the rise of far-right rhetoric. In recent months, inflammatory comments from far-right politicians have intensified, targeting proposals that had initially been discussed by the city's outgoing mayor regarding the establishment of a mosque. Miah recalls how fear-mongering leaflets appeared around the city, warning that 'Allah was on the verge of taking over.' This rhetoric, she notes, stands in contrast to the more critical issues affected by the community, including housing, education, and public health. Early polls indicated that the PD held an advantage over the conservative camp, whose candidate Simone Venturini is perceived as the continuation of the policies set by former mayor Luigi Brugnaro. With Venice's population dwindling from about 170,000 residents in the 1950s to roughly 47,000 today, the need for change is palpable. Martella advocates for a reevaluation of the priorities that have drawn tourists to the city while neglecting its residents' needs. Both Miah and Martella stress the importance of including the Bangladeshi community in dialogues about Venice's future. Miah emphasizes that Italian citizens from diverse backgrounds contribute to the richness of the city and should be integrated as much as possible into local governance. Venice's new mayor will face the critical task of incentivizing city life, moving beyond its image as merely a theme park for tourists, while addressing real concerns expressed by residents about safety and community cohesion. Venice has seen a spike in violence, including brawls between rival clans, raising fears among locals about their safety. Activist Matteo Secchi captures the sentiment of many residents who feel neglected under Brugnaro's administration, arguing that tourism policies have overshadowed essential social services and housing issues. He shares the belief that a conservative government will be overthrown in this election due to widespread dissatisfaction from residents. For Miah, if she successfully secures a council seat, her primary focus will be on fostering understanding amongst different community voices. She envisions a Venice where her daughter and future generations will thrive in a united and beautiful city that prioritizes its people over tourist profits—reflecting her hope for a more inclusive and harmonious Venice. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2