Violent Clashes Erupt in Geneva as G7 Summit Approaches in Neighboring France

Thousands of protesters gathered in Geneva on Sunday to oppose the G7 summit set to begin in Evian, France, on Monday. While the majority maintained peaceful demonstrations, confrontations escalated when groups of activists clashed with police, hurling stones and firecrackers. Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds amid reports of burned vehicles and damaged buildings.

The unrest highlights tensions surrounding the summit’s focus on pressing global issues, including the ongoing war in Iran and the conflict in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Evian ahead of the summit, where he will host leaders from the Group of Seven nations—Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States—alongside invited delegations from countries like Brazil and India.

Geneva authorities had prepared for potential disruptions, permitting a designated protest route away from the city center and deploying military support. However, isolated incidents of vandalism and clashes with law enforcement, including the actions of approximately 600 masked demonstrators, raised concerns about security. Police and French officials have mobilized significant resources, including nearly 16,000 personnel, to manage the event.

Protesters carried banners opposing imperialism, capitalism, and the G7’s policies, with some focusing on Palestinian rights and climate action. A 69-year-old Swiss demonstrator, Michel, expressed frustration over the summit’s closed-door decision-making, stating, “I’m here because I’m not happy that this group of heads of state is meeting here to make decisions that affect all of us.”

Demonstrations were marked by slogans such as “Eat the Rich” and “Down with the police state,” as activists targeted symbols of wealth and international governance. The No-G7 coalition canceled planned protests in the French border town of Annemasse due to security restrictions.

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