Geneva has transformed into a heavily fortified city ahead of the 2026 G7 Summit, with businesses boarding up storefronts and authorities deploying thousands of security personnel as anti-G7 demonstrations escalated into clashes between protesters and police.
The unrest unfolded on Sunday, just one day before leaders from the world’s wealthiest democracies, including President Donald Trump, are scheduled to gather in nearby Evian-les-Bains, France, for the three-day summit.
An estimated 20,000 protesters took part in the demonstration, according to Geneva police. While the majority of participants marched peacefully to voice concerns over climate change, economic inequality, women’s rights, the war in Gaza and global political issues, violent confrontations erupted when groups of masked militants clashed with law enforcement.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons after some demonstrators threw stones, fired flares and ripped up chunks of asphalt to hurl at officers. Authorities reported that approximately 600 individuals associated with so-called “Black Bloc” groups participated in the march.
Tensions intensified after a Tesla vehicle was set on fire near a central transit hub and windows at a local bank were smashed. Riot police quickly established security cordons around affected areas, while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
Despite the violence, much of the demonstration remained peaceful. Large groups of women’s rights activists wearing purple shirts marched through the city carrying banners demanding gender equality and greater representation of women in leadership positions. Other protesters displayed pro-Palestinian messages and criticized Western foreign policies, particularly those of the United States.
Organizers distributed protest guides that included maps of security zones, recommendations on how to prepare for demonstrations and information about legal rights if detained by police.
The heightened security measures reflect concerns stemming from the last G7 summit held near Evian in 2003, which also saw widespread protests and property damage. As a precaution, many businesses across downtown Geneva have boarded up their premises with wooden panels.
Swiss and French authorities have implemented extensive security operations ahead of the summit. Roads have been blocked, unauthorized gatherings restricted and only seven of the 35 road border crossings between Switzerland and France will remain open during the event.
French officials have deployed more than 13,000 police officers and gendarmes to secure the summit venue, while over 800 border control officers have been assigned to monitor cross-border movements.
World leaders attending the summit are expected to discuss major international issues, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, global economic inequality, access to critical minerals and international trade challenges.
President Trump has emerged as a central focus of many protests, with demonstrators criticizing his positions on tariffs, climate policy, international conflicts and broader global governance issues.
Activists from the NoG7 coalition argued that the policies of G7 leaders are contributing to global instability and environmental concerns. Organizers said the demonstrations were intended to send a message that many citizens oppose what they view as policies that fuel conflict and inequality around the world.
With the summit set to begin amid heightened tensions and ongoing demonstrations, authorities remain on high alert as Geneva and neighboring regions brace for additional protests in the coming days.
