Key facts
- Businesses in Geneva are boarding up storefronts due to anticipated anti-G7 protests.
- The G7 summit, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders, begins Monday in Evian-les-Bains, France.
- Security measures include deploying thousands of Swiss and French law enforcement personnel.
- Protesters plan demonstrations against G7 policies on issues including the Middle East, Ukraine, and climate.
- Concerns of violent unrest echo past G7/G8 summits.
Downtown Geneva is boarding up its businesses as authorities implement extensive security measures ahead of planned anti-G7 protests. The summit, set to begin Monday in the nearby French town of Evian-les-Bains, will host leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss global economic imbalances, the Middle East, and Ukraine.
Concerns of potential violent unrest have prompted significant security operations. The Swiss army will deploy approximately 4,000 personnel, while France is deploying over 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers. Security measures include airspace and road restrictions, patrols on Lake Geneva, and increased border controls. A major park where activists planned to gather has been closed.
Activist groups, including environmentalists, feminists, and anti-capitalist organizations, have called for large demonstrations. A flotilla displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners appeared on Lake Geneva, and around 20 protesters were detained on Friday. A protest bicycle ride in Geneva also occurred, with participants chanting anti-G7 slogans. Memories of violent protests during the 2003 G8 summit in the region have fueled worries about potential damage to property.
Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition, expressed fear regarding the policies of G7 leaders, stating, "The planet is in danger and we are very scared about it." Activists aim to protest against the leaders' policies and highlight issues such as tariffs, conflicts, and climate change.