According to Reuters, approximately 20,000 people joined the march organized by the "No-G7" coalition. The demonstration initially began peacefully but later escalated when some protesters targeted what they described as symbols of economic and political power.
Tesla Vehicle Set on Fire
Witnesses reported that a parked Tesla vehicle was set ablaze during the unrest. Protesters also damaged property, including windows at a United Nations agency building in Geneva.
Several demonstrators threw stones, flares, and pieces of pavement at police officers, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Reuters journalists at the scene reported that children and bystanders were affected by the tear gas as confrontations spread through parts of downtown Geneva.
Protesters Condemn Global Inequality
Participants said they were protesting against what they view as the concentration of political and economic power represented by the G7 nations.
Many demonstrators criticized capitalism, globalization, wealth inequality, climate policies, and international conflicts. Some protesters also expressed concerns over the growing influence of billionaires and large multinational corporations.
One demonstrator described the G7 as "a meeting of the rich" that highlights the widening gap between wealthy elites and ordinary citizens.
Heavy Security Measures Ahead of Summit
The G7 Summit is being held from June 15 to June 17 in Évian-les-Bains, France, near the Swiss border.
Leaders from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union are expected to discuss several major international issues, including:
- Conflicts in the Middle East
- The war in Ukraine
- Global economic challenges
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance
- International security cooperation
In preparation for the summit, Swiss and French authorities implemented extensive security measures. Border crossings were temporarily restricted, thousands of security personnel were deployed, and many businesses in Geneva boarded up their storefronts to protect against possible vandalism.
Fears of a Repeat of the 2003 Evian Protests
Authorities have expressed concerns that this year's demonstrations could echo the large-scale unrest that accompanied the 2003 G8 summit in Évian. Those protests resulted in widespread property damage, violent confrontations, and millions of dollars in losses.
While the majority of participants in Sunday's demonstration remained peaceful, authorities said a smaller group engaged in vandalism and attacks on property, leading to police intervention.
Investigations into property damage and several arrests made during the clashes are ongoing.
Conclusion
The Geneva protest highlights continuing opposition to the G7 and broader concerns about economic inequality, globalization, and international politics. As world leaders gather in France for the summit, security forces remain on high alert amid fears of further demonstrations and unrest in the region.