Key facts
- Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva to protest the G7 summit in France.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva to protest the G7 summit in France, where leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump were set to discuss global issues. Security was significantly increased, with businesses boarding up storefronts as a precaution.
The protests highlight significant global opposition to the policies of major industrialized nations and their leaders, underscoring concerns about economic inequality, international conflicts, and environmental issues.
Thousands of demonstrators converged in Geneva on Sunday to protest the G7 summit, which was set to begin the following day in the nearby French town of Evian-les-Bains. The protesters, a diverse group including environmentalists, feminists, and anti-imperialists, marched to voice their opposition to the policies of wealthy nations and their leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Authorities from both Switzerland and France significantly increased security measures for the three-day summit, deploying thousands of police officers. Businesses in Geneva boarded up their storefronts as a precautionary measure, recalling damage from a similar summit in 2003. Road closures and restrictions on gatherings were implemented, with only a fraction of border crossings remaining open.
Activists expressed fears about the global policies enacted by G7 leaders, citing concerns over issues such as tariffs, conflicts, and climate change. Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition, stated that the planet is in danger and that people are against the leaders' policies. A flotilla of boats displayed anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners on Lake Geneva, and some protesters were detained prior to the main march.