Geneva braces for G7 protest, 50,000 demonstrators expected

Geneva is bracing for a large-scale demonstration as authorities anticipate up to 50,000 protesters marching through the city. The protest, organized by the 'No G7' alliance, targets issues such as capitalism and exploitation, coinciding with the Group of Seven (G7) summit being held in the French town of Évian.

Swiss officials confirmed the demonstration is taking place in Geneva because France denied permission for protests near the G7 venue. Geneva is located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Évian. The Geneva airport is also expected to serve as an arrival point for G7 leaders and their delegations due to its proximity to Évian.

Security has been heightened in Geneva for days. Hundreds of luxury stores, banks, hotels, and supermarkets have boarded up their storefronts as a precaution against potential riots. This heightened alert stems from past experiences, notably during a G7 summit in Évian in 2003, when protesters in Geneva caused significant damage, including broken windows and looted shops, resulting in millions of euros in losses for the Swiss city.