Amid a political battle with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Disney announced Thursday that the group is abandoning plans to build a complex near its theme park.
The US entertainment company, which recently made significant cost cuts, is justifying its decision by a new business environment since the plan was announced in 2021, in particular a new general manager and the “evolution of economic conditions”, according to a memo sent to employees and consulted by AFP. For these reasons, “we have decided not to proceed with construction of the complex,” writes Josh D’Amaro, manager of amusement parks.
According to press reports, the cost of the complex was estimated at 864 million dollars (781 million Swiss francs) in 2021. Josh D’Amaro notes that the decision to drop the project “wasn’t easy, but I think it’s the right one.”
Tensions with DeSantis
The decision also comes against the backdrop of strong political tensions with local authorities. They consider the organization to be the most progressive since its leaders publicly condemned in 2022 a bill that would have restricted the teaching of subjects related to sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida elementary schools.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a rising star of the American far-right, has launched an offensive against “woke” culture, ending in February the special status Disney has enjoyed in his state since the 1960s.
To read: At odds with Ron DeSantis, Disney boss accuses Florida of being ‘anti-business’
The governor has publicly mentioned building a prison near Disney World or new taxes on hotels at the site, which employs 75,000 people and draws 50 million visitors a year.
Disney responded by filing a complaint, saying it was “targeted retaliation” to punish him for exercising his “freedom of opinion.”
A boon to the opponent
Ron DeSantis, a populist right-wing figure in the United States, is widely seen as a serious contender to Donald Trump for the Republican primary race ahead of the next presidential election. Florida’s governor may soon announce his 2024 presidential bid, according to US media.
read more: Almost as bad as candidate Ron DeSantis
In a sign of the political significance of the dispute with Disney, Donald Trump lashed out at Ron DeSantis in a statement Thursday, accusing him of losing the group’s investment “all by himself” because the governor “would be too weak to fight for that position.” “Ron DeSantis’ failed showdown with Disney really didn’t help his shady and wobbly campaign,” the Republican billionaire said.
Criticism of the line-up has already begun to emerge on the right, with some Republicans criticizing their party’s tradition of anti-corporate resistance.
In the Democratic Party, the leader of Orange County — which includes the city of Lake Nona, where the campus would be located — called Disney’s decision “regrettable.” But “it’s a predictable outcome when the working environment between the state of Florida and the business community is inclusive and uncooperative,” Jerry Demings said.
A project led by former General Manager
Since the 1960s, Disney had enjoyed a special status with many advantages – administrative facilities, self-management of the site, favorable loans, etc.
At this point: Disney recalled its iconic boss Bob Igar to head the kingdom
In July 2021 the group announced its intention to move more than 2,000 employees to Florida. When Disney’s results were weakened by the weak performance of the group’s streaming platform, Disney+, the project was replaced by Bob Iger in November 2022, led by former CEO Bob Chabeck.
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