Thousands protest G7 in Geneva as leaders prepare to hold summit in nearby France

By — Jamey Keaten, Associated Press Jamey Keaten, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/thousands-protest-g7-in-geneva-as-leaders-prepare-to-hold-summit-in-nearby-france Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Thousands protest G7 in Geneva as leaders prepare to hold summit in nearby France World Jun 14, 2026 12:49 PM EDT GENEVA (AP) — Protesters in Geneva clashed with police, set a car on fire and smashed the windows of a bank on Sunday to show their discontent with the G7 group of rich countries on the eve of a summit in nearby France to be attended by the group's leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump. Environmentalists and feminists joined foes of imperialism, defenders of independent media, supporters of Palestinian rights and others in a lakeside park in Geneva for a march across the Swiss city. A boat whose sail read "No G7" floated by, as sunbathers and swimmers basked under blue skies. Police used tear gas in response to projectiles being thrown at them by demonstrators, and firefighters attended the scene of a burning car just minutes away from the march route as riot police cordoned off a secure zone for them to work. A crowd congregated nearby, many holding mobile phones to film the damage. READ MORE: Macron to host Trump for dinner at Versailles after G7 summit Elsewhere on the march route, the wooden barriers at a Banque du Leman were ripped down and the windows smashed. Alexandre Brahier, a spokesman for the Geneva police, said an estimated 7,000 people were taking part in the march. He declined to indicate how many people had been arrested, saying police were waiting to see the full picture. Among the crowd was a group of about 15 youths wearing black hoodies and masks who gathered behind an anti-Trump banner. Signs reading "Antisemitic never; anti-Zionist always" could also be seen. Organizers of the protest printed a handbook for demonstrators that included a map of the security perimeter, tips on how to gear up for the march, and advice on how to behave if detained by police. Travel restrictions and limited border crossings during the summit Swiss and French authorities have deployed thousands of police to provide security for the three-day summit starting Monday in the resort town of Evian-les-Bains, France. The leaders are set to discuss issues including the Middle East, Ukraine and global economic imbalances. Authorities have blocked off roads, banned unauthorized gatherings and pledged financial support for businesses who could be hit by unrest. Scores of businesses and shops have boarded up their storefronts with wooden panels as a precaution — leery of upheaval that left a trail of damage in Geneva during a similar summit in Evian in 2003. Only seven of the 35 roadway border crossings will remain open. Demonstrators have been gathering for days in advance of Sunday's march in Geneva, the largest city in the area and designa