Thousands Rally in Geneva Against G7 Summit
Security Crackdown & Mass Demonstrations Mark Summit’s Start
GENEVA, Switzerland — Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva on Sunday to protest the G7 summit of wealthy nations being held across the border in Évian-les-Bains, France.
The protest was organized by the NoG7 coalition and drew a broad spectrum of activists, including environmentalists and feminists.
"We are protesting because of the fear we have for the policies of Trump and other G7 leaders. There are wars, and there is danger for the planet."
— Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition
Protesters marched from a lakeside park to another location in the city. A boat carrying a "No G7" sail was spotted on Lake Geneva.
In a notable visual, about 15 youths wearing black hoodies and masks gathered behind an anti-Trump banner. Signs reading "Antisemitic never; anti-Zionist always" were also visible among the crowd.
Massive Security Deployment
Security measures for the three-day summit were extensive.
Swiss and French authorities deployed thousands of police in a coordinated effort to prevent unrest. In France, where the summit is being held:
- Over 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers were mobilized.
- More than 800 border control officers were stationed at key points.
- Only 7 of 35 roadway border crossings remained open.
- Roads were blocked, and unauthorized gatherings were banned.
- French gendarmes used motorboats and drone-interception devices on Lake Geneva.
- Financial support was offered to businesses potentially affected by unrest.
Many businesses in Évian boarded up storefronts, recalling damage that occurred during the 2003 G8 summit in the same town.
Previous Gatherings & Detentions
The protest on Sunday followed several smaller actions over the previous days:
- Saturday: A flotilla of about 20 boats displayed anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners on Lake Geneva.
- Friday evening: About 20 protesters were detained, according to Swiss media.
- Earlier: Between 100 and 150 people participated in a bicycle protest in Geneva.