Thousands of anti-G7 protesters were expected to gather in Geneva on Sunday under heavy police security ahead of the Group of Seven summit in Evian, just across the French border.
The “No-G7” coalition, made up of more than 60 associations, unions and left-wing groups, plans to protest against what it describes as “fascism and imperialism”. The demonstration comes a day before G7 leaders begin their three-day annual summit.
Geneva, located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the French town of Evian, has gone on alert. Authorities aim to prevent a repeat of the 2003 unrest, when anti-G7 rioters caused millions of dollars in damage in the Swiss city.
The violence, looting and clashes from that period remain fresh in public memory. Several businesses, supermarkets, theatres and university buildings, including those away from the protest route, have boarded up their premises as a precaution.
Authorities have also cancelled several events in the city. The main hospital has set up emergency tents in case of a surge in casualties.
Swiss officials have authorised a march along a designated route on the northern side of the city, far from the city centre and luxury shopping areas.
They are deploying a large number of police personnel and security equipment.
The No-G7 coalition had initially planned a counter-summit and demonstration in the French border town of Annemasse. However, it dropped the plan due to conditions set by French authorities.
“What we fundamentally regret is that France did not create the conditions conducive to a kind of summit, counter-summit, village, forum or discussion,” Geneva’s Security Minister Carole-Anne Kast told reporters.
“We hope to have a wonderful weekend with some lovely moments,” said coalition spokesperson Alice Lefrancois.
“There will be security personnel, particularly to protect demonstrators from any form of external aggression, and there will also be a family area,” she added.
“We think it’s going to be a rather pleasant experience,” she said.
Geneva is almost entirely surrounded by France, and no point in the canton lies more than 5.5 kilometres (3.5 miles) from the border.
Around 115,000 people commute daily to work in Geneva from France, where living costs are lower.
Swiss authorities began closing 25 of the 35 border crossings on Thursday ahead of the summit and protests, causing traffic disruptions in both directions.
The G7 summit comes at a time of heightened global tensions following the US and Israel’s war against Iran earlier this year, which has reshaped the Middle East and increased transatlantic strains.
The Group of Seven brings together leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with invited partner countries.
French authorities said nearly 16,000 security personnel, including police, gendarmes, soldiers, firefighters and border guards, will be deployed. They will use boats, motorcycles, drones, mounted units and dog squads.
Most leaders are expected to arrive at Geneva Airport before travelling to Evian.
Switzerland has approved the deployment of 2,000 to 5,000 military personnel to support cantonal police.
Around 4,000 Swiss troops will be deployed on land, on Lake Geneva and in the air, working alongside French forces.
