Thousands of protesters marched through Geneva on Sunday, June 14 ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in nearby Evian-les-Bains, France, condemning the bloc’s role in imperialist wars, economic inequality, and environmental destruction.
The demonstration, organized by the “No-G7” coalition composed of more than 60 organizations, brought together Palestinian solidarity activists, environmental campaigners, feminist groups, trade unionists, and anti-war advocates. Protesters denounced the G7 as an exclusive club of wealthy capitalist powers whose policies deepen poverty, fuel conflicts, and accelerate the climate crisis.
“We are very afraid of the policies of Mr. Trump and the other G7 leaders because they are making war all over the world,” said coalition spokesperson Françoise Nyffeler. “The planet is in danger, and people everywhere are against these policies.”
According to police estimates, around 20,000 people participated in the march. Demonstrators carried anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners and chanted slogans against militarism, corporate power, and economic exploitation.
The protest took place amid heightened security measures surrounding the three-day summit, where United States President Donald Trump and leaders of the world’s leading capitalist powers are set to meet. Swiss and French authorities deployed thousands of police officers, imposed restrictions on public gatherings, and closed roads around the summit venue.
Businesses in Geneva and Evian boarded up storefronts in anticipation of unrest, recalling the widespread protests that accompanied the 2003 G7 summit in Evian.
Participants criticized the G7’s declining claim to represent the international community. While the bloc once accounted for roughly 70 percent of global economic output, its share has fallen to around 40 percent, despite representing only about 10 percent of the world’s population. Protesters pointed to the growing influence of alternative international formations, including the expanded BRICS grouping, as evidence of shifting global power relations.
Demonstrators also expressed outrage over the Trump administration’s trade policies, support for military interventions, and failure to address the worsening climate emergency. Many argued that the G7 serves the interests of multinational corporations and financial elites at the expense of workers and oppressed peoples worldwide.
Actions against the summit began days before Sunday’s mobilization. On Saturday, activists sailed a flotilla of boats on Lake Geneva displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian messages. Swiss media also reported that around 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening.
As the march concluded, clashes erupted between some protesters and riot police. Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons after demonstrators threw bottles, stones, and firecrackers. Several buildings, including offices linked to international institutions and multinational corporations, were reportedly targeted during the unrest.
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