BY MIRABEL ODETA
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Geneva on Sunday ahead of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France, with demonstrations that began peacefully later escalating into clashes with police. Authorities used tear gas after some protesters set fire to a Tesla vehicle and damaged windows at a United Nations agency, as anger grew over what demonstrators described as symbols of corporate power and international influence.
Around 20,000 people joined the march through Geneva, initially taking part in a largely peaceful demonstration against the upcoming G7 meeting. However, tensions increased as some protesters targeted property they associated with capitalism, wealth inequality and global political institutions.
The unrest included attacks on a parked Tesla vehicle and the United Nations office, which protesters viewed as symbols connected to economic power and global decision-making. Police responded as demonstrators threw bricks removed from the streets, while clouds of tear gas spread through downtown areas, causing distress among people nearby.
Protests have frequently accompanied G7 summits around the world, with activists using the gatherings as opportunities to criticize issues including economic inequality, climate policies, globalization and the influence of wealthy nations.
Many demonstrators said they opposed the G7 because they believe the summit represents a concentration of political and economic power among a small group of countries. Some protesters pointed to the growing wealth of major business leaders as evidence of what they see as an unfair global economic system.
The demonstrations came shortly after Tesla owner Elon Musk, who has served as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, became the world’s first trillionaire. For some activists, Musk’s rise represented the widening gap between the world’s wealthiest individuals and people facing economic challenges.
“It is a meeting of the rich that shows once again how the rich can become even richer while others are left behind,” said protester Pippa Saugy.
The G7 summit, scheduled for June 15–17 in Evian-les-Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva, is set to bring together the leaders of France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with representatives from the European Union.
Major international issues are expected to dominate discussions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Leaders are also expected to navigate diplomatic tensions as Trump works toward a possible peace agreement framework with Iran.
In Geneva, authorities had prepared for possible unrest before the demonstration, with businesses boarding up windows and hundreds of riot police deployed throughout the city. The heavy security presence itself became a point of criticism among some protesters, who argued that it was intended to discourage public demonstrations.
“This is an attempt to frighten demonstrators, to frighten people and discourage them from coming out to protest,” said protester Mattia Piccard.
Other activists highlighted social issues beyond economic inequality. Clélia Colin said she attended the protest to draw attention to gender inequality, arguing that the policies and priorities associated with the G7 fail to address concerns affecting women.
“The values represented by the G7 contribute to inequality,” Colin said.
The protests highlighted the long-running divide between supporters of international cooperation and those who argue that global institutions and economic systems favor powerful nations and wealthy individuals. As world leaders prepare for the summit, demonstrations like the one in Geneva continue to reflect public frustration over the direction of global politics and economics.
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