Thousands protest as Trump, other world leaders set to meet for G7 summit | Protests News
Activists Rally in Geneva Ahead of G7 Summit
Thousands of protesters convened in Geneva on Sunday to voice their opposition to the policies of Group of Seven (G7) countries, just days before the annual summit takes place in France. The summit will feature leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, and runs from June 15 to 17 in Evian-les-Bains.
The demonstration was organized by the “No-G7” coalition, which comprises over 60 organizations, including groups advocating for Palestinian rights, feminism, and environmental issues.
Francoise Nyffeler, a spokesperson for the coalition, expressed concerns about G7 leadership. “We are afraid of the policies and the politics of Mr. Trump and the other G7 leaders, because they are fighting and making war all over the place,” she stated. “The planet is in danger, and we want to express that the people of the world are against their policies.”
In anticipation of the summit, Swiss and French officials have deployed thousands of police officers to ensure security. Authorities have implemented roadblocks, banned unauthorized gatherings, and offered financial assistance to local businesses at risk of being affected by potential unrest.
As part of the security measures, many local businesses have fortified their storefronts with wooden panels due to concerns about possible disruptions reminiscent of the violence seen during a similar summit in Evian in 2003.
Al Jazeera journalist Natacha Butler reported from the protest, where participants criticized the G7 as serving the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the poor. Demonstrators argued that the G7, which includes the U.S., Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, does not reflect the global population and that its policies adversely affect issues like climate change, equal rights, and poverty.
The legitimacy of the G7 has been a recurring topic of debate, as the group’s share of global gross domestic product has dropped from 70% to 40%, while it represents just one-tenth of the world’s population.
Meanwhile, new alliances are emerging in global politics, with the BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—expanding from five to eleven member countries, indicating a shift in global power dynamics.
This year’s summit, held amidst widespread discontent with Trump’s administration on various fronts, including tariffs and international conflicts, has prompted protests that began days ahead of the main event. On Saturday, a flotilla of approximately 20 boats gathered on Lake Geneva, displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners, while Swiss media reported that about 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening.
