GENEVA, June 14: Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva on Sunday to protest against the Group of Seven (G7) nations ahead of a summit of world leaders scheduled to begin Monday in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains. The protest drew a diverse coalition of environmental activists, feminists, anti-imperialist groups, defenders of independent media and supporters of Palestinian rights, all united in opposition to the policies of G7 governments.
Participants assembled in a lakeside park before marching through Geneva, carrying banners and chanting slogans. A boat with a sail reading “No G7” was also seen on Lake Geneva, symbolising opposition to the gathering of leaders from the world’s richest democracies. Organisers said the demonstrations were aimed at highlighting concerns over issues such as climate change, global inequality, conflicts in the Middle East, trade policies and international military interventions.
The summit, attended by leaders including US President Donald Trump, is expected to focus on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as global economic challenges. Many protesters specifically criticised Trump’s policies on tariffs, the Iran conflict and climate issues. Activists argued that the actions of G7 countries contribute to instability and environmental damage around the world.
Security has been significantly tightened in both Switzerland and France. Authorities have deployed thousands of police officers, closed roads, restricted public gatherings and strengthened border controls. Only seven of the 35 road crossings between the two countries will remain open during the summit. Many businesses in Geneva and nearby areas have boarded up their storefronts as a precaution, recalling the property damage that occurred during protests linked to the 2003 G7 summit in Evian.
Demonstrations had already begun in the days leading up to Sunday’s march. Around 20 boats carrying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners sailed on Lake Geneva on Saturday, while a bicycle protest earlier in the week disrupted traffic in Geneva. Swiss media reported that about 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening.
French authorities have deployed more than 13,000 police officers and gendarmes to secure the summit. Protest organisers said the demonstrations reflected widespread concern about war, climate change and economic inequality, insisting that people around the world oppose the policies promoted by G7 leaders. (AP)
