Thousands protest in Geneva ahead of G7 summit, denounce world leaders' policies

Massive protests ahead of G7 summit

Thousands of protesters gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday ahead of this week's Group of Seven (G7) summit, which is set to bring together US President Donald Trump and other world leaders in nearby Evian-les-Bains, France. The demonstration was organized by the 'No-G7' coalition, which includes more than 60 associations and groups, such as Palestinian rights advocates, feminist activists, and environmentalists.

“We are very afraid of the policy and the politics of Mr Trump and also of the other leaders of the G7, because they are fighting, making war all over the place,” said Francoise Nyffeler, a spokesperson for the coalition. “The planet is in danger, and we are very scared about it and we want to protest and say that the people of the world are against their policies.”

Security measures and concerns of unrest

Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police to provide security for the three-day summit, which begins on Monday. Roads have been blocked, unauthorized gatherings banned, and authorities pledged financial support for businesses that could be hit by unrest. Many businesses and shops have boarded up their storefronts with wooden panels as a precaution, wary of upheaval that left a trail of damage in Geneva during a similar summit in 2003.

Questioning the G7's legitimacy

Protesters denounced the G7 as being “all about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.” They say the club of wealthy nations does not represent the global population and that their policies have a negative impact on climate, equal rights, and poverty. The G7 countries – the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK – previously accounted for 70 percent of global GDP, a figure that has shrunk to just 40 percent, while representing one-tenth of the global population. In contrast, BRICS nations (India, Russia, China, etc.) have doubled their membership from five to eleven, indicating a shift in global power dynamics.

Specific issues raised

This year's summit also comes amid global frustration with Trump's leadership on issues such as tariffs, the US-Israeli war on Iran, and the climate crisis. Demonstrators had been gathering for days ahead of Sunday's march in Geneva. On Saturday, a flotilla of around 20 boats appeared on Lake Geneva off the coast of Evian, displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners. According to Swiss media, some 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening.