Thousands of protesters gathered in Geneva, Switzerland on June 14 ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit at the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains from June 15 to 17, which brings together US President Donald Trump and other world leaders.
The Sunday protest was organized by the 'No-G7' coalition, which includes over 60 associations and activist groups, such as pro-Palestinian advocates, feminists, and environmentalists.
Coalition spokesperson Francoise Nyffeler expressed concern: 'We are very afraid of the policies and the direction of Mr. Trump and the other G7 leaders, because they are fighting, making war everywhere. The planet is in danger, and we want to protest, to say that people around the world oppose their policies.'
Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police to secure the three-day summit. Roads have been blocked, unauthorized gatherings are banned, and the government has pledged financial support for businesses that may be affected by unrest.
Many shops and businesses have boarded up their storefronts as a precaution, fearing a repeat of the chaos that caused damage in Geneva during a similar summit in Evian in 2003.
Al Jazeera correspondent Natacha Butler reported from the Geneva protest that demonstrators accuse the G7 of being about 'the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.' They argue that this club of wealthy nations does not represent the global population, and its policies negatively impact climate, equality rights, and poverty.
The question of the G7's legitimacy – comprising the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK – is not new. These nations once accounted for 70% of global gross domestic product (GDP), but that figure has dropped to just 40%, while they represent only one-tenth of the world's population. Meanwhile, the BRICS group – including India, Russia, and China – has doubled its membership from 5 to 11, signaling a significant shift in global power dynamics.
Protests are common at G7 summits, but this year they take place amid global discontent with Trump's leadership on issues ranging from tariffs, the US-Israel war on Iran, to the climate crisis. Protesters had been gathering for days before Sunday's march. A flotilla of about 20 boats appeared on Lake Geneva off Evian on Saturday, carrying banners denouncing the G7 and supporting Palestine. About 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening, according to Swiss media.
