Thousands protest Trump in Geneva ahead of G7 summit

Thousands gathered along the shores of Lake Geneva to protest Donald Trump on the eve of the G7 summit in Évian, France. Chants of "Fuck Trump" and signs expressed anger towards the U.S. president, with demonstrators criticizing his policies and self-serving approach.

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Our governments are trying to appease Trump. But you shouldn't negotiate with a man like that, who only thinks of himself.

Karine, a 53-year-old social worker from Lausanne, stated, "Our governments are trying to appease Trump. But you shouldn't negotiate with a man like that, who only thinks of himself." She also noted the protest coincided with the anniversary of a major women's strike in Switzerland in 1991, highlighting a coalition of movements called "No to G7" protesting "against fascism and imperialism."

While Évian was heavily secured by 16,000 French police and military, Geneva hosted the permitted demonstration. The protest saw participation from various radical left-wing groups, including revolutionary communists and anarchists, some of whom were masked and appeared ready for confrontation. Police had warned of potential violence, recalling clashes at the 2003 G8 summit in Évian.

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Fuck Trump

Reports of unrest emerged shortly after 5 p.m., with a car set ablaze near Geneva's train station, windows smashed, and surveillance cameras torn down. Police deployed tear gas against some militant protesters. A crêperie owner, who had boarded up his windows, expressed dismay: "As long as it's peaceful, it's okay. But I just can't accept violence." Many businesses had similarly secured their premises, and some fan zones showing the World Cup were forced to shut down due to police resource limitations.

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We are many different groups here today. I am also here because it is the anniversary of a major women's strike that was held in Switzerland in 1991.

Jean-Michel Dettwiler, 62, wearing a "Fuck Trump" t-shirt, advocated for a pacifist movement, stating, "Violence ultimately won't change anything. To me, these people are dumber than the others." Switzerland mobilized 4,000 police for security, impacting cross-border commuters.

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As long as it's peaceful, it's okay. But I just can't accept violence.