Geneva Under Tight Security As Up To 40,000 Protesters Expected Ahead Of G7 Summit

Downtown Geneva has turned into a fortified zone as authorities intensify preparations for mass anti-G7 demonstrations ahead of the summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, scheduled for June 15–17.

Scores of businesses in the city have boarded up windows with wooden protective panels , reflecting fears of unrest and possible vandalism. The summit, bringing together leaders including US President Donald Trump, is expected to discuss conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and global economic tensions.

Security agencies now anticipate up to 40,000–50,000 protesters in Geneva and surrounding areas over the weekend, far higher than earlier estimates. Authorities have already reported smaller mobilisations, including bicycle rallies, boat flotillas on Lake Geneva, and several detentions.

The Swiss government has deployed around 4,000 troops , while France has mobilised more than 13,000 police and gendarmes , with the total security presence across the region rising to nearly 16,000 personnel . Joint Franco-Swiss coordination includes lake patrols, drone surveillance, and airspace restrictions.

Border security has been sharply tightened, with most crossings between France and Switzerland restricted or closed, and public parks and gathering points in Geneva shut to prevent large assemblies.

Officials say the measures are necessary due to fears of unrest linked to past summit-related violence in the region, including memories of the 2003 G8 protests that damaged parts of Geneva.

Activist groups, including environmental and anti-capitalist coalitions, accuse G7 leaders of driving global inequality and conflict. The NoG7 coalition said protesters are mobilising against “war policies” and what they describe as threats to the planet and global stability.

Authorities remain on high alert as demonstrations are expected to peak with Sunday’s main march.