Businesses in central Geneva have boarded up storefronts with wooden panels as authorities ramp up security ahead of planned anti-G7 protests expected on Sunday.
The move comes as French and Swiss officials deploy heavy security measures for the Group of Seven (G7) summit, which begins Monday in the nearby French town of Evian-les-Bains. U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders are attending the gathering, where concerns remain about possible unrest during the events.
The summit, scheduled for June 15–17 on the shores of Lake Geneva, will focus on major global issues including the Middle East conflict, the war in Ukraine and global economic tensions. At the same time, activist groups including environmentalists, feminist organisations and anti-capitalist movements have called for large demonstrations.
On Saturday, around 20 boats were seen on Lake Geneva near Evian displaying anti-G7 and pro-Palestinian banners. Swiss media reported that about 20 protesters were detained on Friday evening.
Earlier, between 100 and 150 people took part in a bicycle protest in Geneva, slowing traffic while chanting slogans against the G7 and in support of Palestine, according to public broadcaster RTS.
Local business owners and residents have expressed concern over possible violence, recalling the destruction caused during protests linked to the 2003 G8 summit, when Russia was part of the group.
Some residents described the security preparations, including wooden barriers across shopfronts, as unsettling but said they understood fears of a repeat of past unrest.
Swiss authorities have mobilised around 4,000 army personnel to assist police during the summit. Security operations include airspace and road restrictions, as well as patrols on Lake Geneva. Of 35 border crossings in the region, seven will remain open. A major public park in Geneva has also been closed to prevent gatherings.
On the French side, more than 13,000 police and gendarmerie officers have been deployed, along with over 800 border control personnel, significantly higher than usual. Security forces were seen patrolling Lake Geneva in motorboats, while officers also tested drone-interception equipment as part of preparations.
Protests are common during major global summits, and this year activists say they are demonstrating against a range of issues including Donald Trump’s policies on trade tariffs, the war in Iran, climate change, and his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Francoise Nyffeler, spokesperson for the NoG7 coalition organising the protest, said participants are concerned about global conflicts and climate threats.
“We are very afraid of the policies of Mr Trump and other G7 leaders because they are involved in wars around the world,” she said. “The planet is in danger, and we want to show that people are against these policies.”