Behind Venice’s global image as a tourist paradise, the city is facing growing social and economic pressure. Rising unemployment, housing shortages, and the increasing number of homeless migrants are becoming major public concerns ahead of the 2026 Venice mayoral election.
Simone Venturini officially launched his campaign on 7 March 2026 at Venice’s Giardini Reali. At 38, he could become the youngest mayor in Venice’s history if elected. Yellow has been chosen as the main colour of his campaign.
Venturini is the official candidate of the centre-right coalition for the 2026 Venice mayoral election. He has held key responsibilities related to tourism, labour, and social welfare in the Venice administration and is widely seen as the political successor to current mayor Luigi Brugnaro.
Mayor Luigi Brugnaro has publicly stated in media interviews that Venturini is the most qualified candidate to succeed him and believes he can secure victory in the first round of voting.
Venturini is backed by Lega, Fratelli d’Italia, Forza Italia, and his own civic list. His expected main challenger is Democratic Party (PD) senator Andrea Martella.
The election has drawn strong attention from local media and the Bangladeshi expatriate community in Italy. According to local reports, candidates are actively trying to attract immigrant voters, especially in Mestre and Marghera, where a large Bangladeshi community lives.
Reports suggest that around 20,000 to 25,000 Bangladeshis live in the Mestre area. Many have obtained Italian citizenship and are now considered an important voting bloc in local elections.
Several issues are dominating the campaign debate Over-tourism and accommodation pressure in Venice, Development plans for Porto Marghera, The proposed tourist entry-fee system for Venice, Security concerns in Mestre and central Venice, Employment and housing shortages for foreign residents
As Venice’s commissioner for labour and social welfare, Venturini faces growing pressure to address these problems with practical solutions. Many residents, especially migrants and low-income workers, are demanding long-term policies on jobs, housing, and social stability.
With the election approaching, voters are asking whether Venturini can deliver real solutions to Venice’s unemployment and humanitarian challenges, or whether campaign promises will remain largely symbolic.
