Thousands Protest in Geneva Ahead of G7 Summit in France

Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Geneva on Sunday ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in neighbouring France, as authorities mounted an extensive security operation amid fears of a repeat of the violence that accompanied a similar gathering in 2003.

Waving banners bearing slogans such as “No to the G7 and all imperialist alliances!” and “Abort the G7”, protesters assembled in a park along the shores of Lake Geneva before marching through heavily secured sections of the Swiss city.

The demonstration began shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time under intense summer heat, with participants voicing support for Palestinian causes, climate action, feminism and anti-capitalist movements.

Geneva police estimated attendance at up to 7,000 people at the start of the march, while AFP journalists later placed the crowd at closer to 15,000.

“I’m here because I’m not happy that this group of heads of state is meeting here to make decisions that affect all of us,” said Michel, a 69-year-old Swiss retiree who carried a Palestinian flag.

The protest was organised by a coalition of around 200 associations, organisations and labour unions, which called for what it described as an “internationalist response” to policies promoted by G7 leaders.

The summit in Evian comes at a particularly sensitive moment in global affairs. It is among the first major international gatherings since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in late February, a conflict that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and complicated relations among Western allies.

The G7 comprises leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, alongside invited leaders from countries including Brazil and India.

French President Emmanuel Macron, host of the summit, was expected in Evian on Sunday evening, with other leaders, including US President Donald Trump, scheduled to arrive on Monday.

Authorities in Geneva implemented extensive security measures in anticipation of the protests. The city remained on high alert, with helicopters patrolling overhead and numerous buildings boarded up as a precaution.

Memories remain vivid of the 2003 anti-G7 protests, during which rioters caused millions of dollars in damage through looting and violent clashes.

The city’s main hospital even erected large emergency tents in preparation for potential casualties.

Police reported confiscating several items from protesters that could potentially be used as weapons, including knives, axes, gas canisters and powerful pyrotechnic devices.

Despite the heightened security atmosphere, organisers insisted the event was intended to remain peaceful.

Laure, a member of the “No to the G7” collective, argued that authorities had exaggerated fears surrounding the protest.

“We have a truck that will make bubbles for the children; we have drums,” she said, dismissing what she described as unnecessary alarm.

However, AFP journalists observed groups of masked, black-clad protesters among the crowd. One group reportedly breached a protective barrier around an upscale residential building, while a Tesla vehicle was seen set ablaze and marked with the words “Eat the Rich”.

The Swiss authorities authorised the march along a designated route on the northern side of Geneva, away from the city centre and its luxury shopping district.

Meanwhile, planned anti-G7 activities in the French border town of Annemasse were abandoned following restrictions imposed by French authorities.

Switzerland has mobilised up to 4,000 troops to support police operations, while France has announced the deployment of nearly 16,000 police officers, soldiers, firefighters and border personnel around Evian as leaders gather for the three-day summit.

AFP