Thousands of people protested in Geneva, Switzerland, ahead of the G7 summit to be held in France this week. The demonstration took place just before the meeting that will bring together U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders.
The demonstration was organized by the "No-G7" coalition, which includes more than 60 associations and groups. The coalition also includes Palestinian rights advocates, feminist activists, and environmentalists.
Coalition spokesperson Francoise Nyffeler said they were concerned about the policies of Trump and G7 leaders. Nyffeler argued that these leaders are fueling wars in various parts of the world.
Nyffeler also stated that the world is in danger, and that is why people gathered to speak out against these policies. The main message of the protesters was that G7 decisions have negative consequences on a global scale.
The legitimacy of the G7, which consists of Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has long been debated. The group once represented about 70 percent of global gross domestic product, a share that has now fallen to 40 percent.
As the demonstrations continued, Swiss and French authorities took extensive security measures for the summit. Officials closed roads, banned unauthorized gatherings, and promised support to businesses that could be affected by any unrest.
Many shops in Geneva covered their storefronts with wooden panels against the risk of possible disturbances. Officials are taking measures to prevent a repeat of incidents that caused damage in the area during a similar summit.
Global power balances have shifted recently. The expansion of the BRICS group from five to 11 members was a sign that blocs outside the G7 are also growing.
This year's summit is taking place amid mounting global discontent over tariff policies targeting the Trump administration, the consequences of the war with Iran, and the climate crisis. The protests in Geneva were also part of the reaction to these issues.
The demonstrations intensified days before the start of summit week. On Saturday, a flotilla of about 20 boats was seen on Lake Geneva with anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners; about 20 protesters were also detained on Friday evening.
