Thousands of anti‑G7 protesters are expected to rally in Geneva on Sunday, under a heavy police presence, ahead of the summit in nearby Evian, France.
The “No‑G7” coalition of more than 60 associations, unions and left‑wing groups aims to denounce “fascism and imperialism”. The demonstration takes place the day before the Group of Seven leaders commence their three‑day annual gathering.
Geneva, about 40 km southwest of the French spa town of Evian, is on edge. Authorities there are determined to avoid a repeat of the 2003 disturbances, when anti‑G7 rioters caused millions of dollars of damage in the Swiss city.
The violence, looting and clashes of 2003 remain vivid in the collective memory; many shops, supermarkets, theatres and university buildings — some far from the protest route — are taking precautions by boarding up their facades.
Several other events in the city have been cancelled, and the main hospital has erected tents in case of an influx of casualties.
Swiss authorities have permitted a march along a looping route on the city’s northern side, away from the centre and its luxury boutiques.
A significant police and security presence will be deployed to manage the gathering.
Due to conditions imposed by French authorities, the No‑G7 coalition abandoned plans for a counter‑summit and demonstration in the French border town of Annemasse.
Geneva’s Security Minister Carole‑Anne Kast said the summit should have created conditions for a counter‑summit or forum, which France failed to provide on its side of the border.
Alice Lefrancois, spokesperson for the coalition, told reporters that the event should be a pleasant experience, with security personnel protecting demonstrators from any external aggression and providing a family area.
Because Geneva is almost entirely surrounded by France — no point in the canton lies more than 5.5 km from the border — many of the 115,000 workers in Geneva commute from France, where living costs are lower.
To manage the protest and summit, Swiss authorities began closing 25 of the 35 road crossings on Thursday, causing traffic jams in both directions.
Tight security will be enforced throughout the weekend.
The G7 summit will be one of the first major international gatherings since the United States and its ally Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, reshaping the Middle East and widening transatlantic tensions.
The Group of Seven comprises the heads of government of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus invited leaders from several other countries.
Approximately 16,000 French police, gendarmes, troops, firefighters and border guards will be deployed, using boats, motorcycles, drones, mounted units and dog‑handling teams, according to the Haute‑Savoie regional prefecture.
Most leaders will arrive at Geneva Airport before proceeding to Evian.
Switzerland has approved the deployment of 2,000 to 5,000 military personnel to support the cantonal police, with around 4,000 Swiss troops on land, on Lake Geneva and in the air, coordinating with the French military.
Anti-G7 protestors take part in a demonstration in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, southern Germany, June 6, 2015. Demonstrations against the 2026 G7 summit in Evian on June 15-17 2026 are expected as well. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann 
(With newswires)