**Thousands Protest in Geneva Ahead of G7 Summit Featuring Trump and World Leaders**
Geneva, Switzerland - Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Geneva on Sunday to voice their opposition to the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit, which will convene in the nearby French resort town of Evian-les-Bains. The summit is set to bring together leaders from the world's wealthiest nations, including United States President Donald Trump.
The protest, organized by the "No-G7" coalition, featured representatives from over 60 organizations, including advocates for Palestinian rights, feminist groups, and environmental activists. Protesters carried signs with messages such as "There is one planet, not 7," emphasizing their concerns over the environmental and social policies of G7 leaders.
Francoise Nyffeler, a spokesperson for the coalition, expressed the group's fears regarding the political climate under Trump and other G7 leaders. "We are very afraid of the policy and the politics of Mr. Trump and also of the other leaders of the G7, because they are fighting, making war all over the place," Nyffeler stated. She emphasized the urgency of their message, highlighting the perceived dangers facing the planet and the need for global action against the policies of the G7.
In anticipation of the summit, Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police officers to ensure security during the three-day event. Measures have included roadblocks, bans on unauthorized gatherings, and financial support for local businesses that may be affected by potential unrest. Many shops in Geneva have boarded up their windows as a precaution against possible violence, recalling the damage caused during a similar summit in 2003.
Al Jazeera reporter Natacha Butler, covering the protests, noted that demonstrators criticized the G7 as an exclusive club that primarily benefits the wealthy. "They say the club of wealthy nations doesn’t represent the global population; that their policies and decisions have a negative impact on the world in terms of climate, equal rights, and poverty," Butler reported.
The legitimacy of the G7 has been a topic of debate, especially as the group's share of global gross domestic product (GDP) has declined from 70 percent to 40 percent in recent years. Meanwhile, the G7 represents only one-tenth of the global population. The rise of alternative global coalitions, such as the BRICS nations—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—further illustrates shifting power dynamics on the world stage.
The protests in Geneva come amid widespread dissatisfaction with Trump's leadership on various issues, including trade tariffs, the US-Israeli conflict, and climate change. The G7 summit has historically attracted protests, but this year's demonstrations have been particularly intense, reflecting growing global frustration with the policies of the world's wealthiest nations.
In addition to the protests on land, a flotilla of approximately 20 boats demonstrated on Lake Geneva, displaying banners that criticized the G7 and supported Palestinian rights. Reports indicate that around 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening as tensions escalated leading up to the summit.
As the G7 leaders prepare to meet, the protests in Geneva serve as a reminder of the significant opposition to their policies and the calls for a more inclusive and equitable global approach. The summit is set to begin on Monday, and it remains to be seen how the leaders will respond to the concerns raised by the demonstrators.