Violence Erupts in Geneva as G7 Summit Protests Turn Volatile

Geneva police deployed tear gas and water cannons on Sunday after a largely peaceful demonstration against the G7 summit in Evian, France, escalated into violent clashes.

Approximately 20,000 protesters gathered in the Swiss city to voice their opposition to the meeting of the world’s wealthiest democracies, which officially begins on Monday across Lake Geneva.

In an effort to prevent a recurrence of the riots that plagued the city during the 2003 G8 summit, authorities had designated a march route distant from Geneva’s luxury commercial district.

The majority of participants marched peacefully in the heat, carrying climate banners and Palestinian flags while chanting against capitalism and Western military alliances. Signs displayed slogans such as “Abort the G7” and “No to the G7 and all imperialist alliances.”

“I’m here because I don’t accept that this small group of leaders makes decisions that affect all of us,” said Michel, a 69-year-old Swiss retiree.

The situation deteriorated when groups of black-clad activists broke away from the main procession. These individuals smashed barriers, targeted high-end apartment buildings, and ignited vehicles. One Tesla was seen engulfed in flames with the phrase “Eat the Rich” spray-painted on its side, while properties near the United Nations’ European headquarters also sustained damage.

Police officials reported that roughly 600 “Black Bloc” activists were responsible for the unrest.

The summit marks one of the first major diplomatic gatherings since the United States and Israel initiated a conflict with Iran in February. Discussions are expected to focus heavily on efforts to end that war, as well as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Evian on Sunday to welcome US President Donald Trump and other G7 heads of state, with thousands of French and Swiss security forces deployed throughout the lake region to maintain order.

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