Thousands protest as Trump, other world leaders set to meet for G7 summit

Thousands of protesters gathered in Geneva to voice strong opposition to the policies of Group of Seven (G7) nations just before the summit's commencement in nearby France. The demonstration, led by the "No-G7" coalition, brought together more than 60 diverse associations, including Palestinian rights advocates, feminists, and environmentalists.

Francoise Nyffeler, a spokesperson for the coalition, articulated the protesters' deep concerns. "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," she stated. Nyffeler added, "The planet is in danger, and we are very scared about it and we want to protest and say that the people of the world are against their policies."

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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.

Security was heightened, with Swiss and French authorities deploying thousands of police for the three-day summit, scheduled to begin in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains. Road closures, bans on unauthorized gatherings, and financial support for affected businesses were implemented. Many shops preemptively boarded up storefronts, recalling damage from a similar summit in 2003.

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The planet is in danger, and we are very scared about it and we want to protest and say that the people of the world are against their policies.

Al Jazeera's Natacha Butler reported from Geneva, noting that demonstrators criticized the G7 as a forum that exacerbates inequality, stating it's "all about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer." They argued that the club of wealthy nations no longer represents the global population, and its policies negatively impact climate, equal rights, and poverty worldwide.

The legitimacy of the G7, comprising the US, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, has been increasingly questioned. Historically representing 70 percent of global GDP, their share has now shrunk to 40 percent, while their population represents only one-tenth of the world's total. This shift is underscored by the growing influence of other blocs like BRICS. The summit also occurs amidst widespread frustration with Trump's leadership on issues ranging from tariffs to the climate crisis.

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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.