Protesters set Tesla ablaze, smash UN office's windows in Geneva anti-G7 march
Geneva Erupts in Protest Ahead of G7 Summit
By Olivia Le Poidevin
Escalation of Violence During Demonstrations
GENEVA, June 14 (Reuters) - Geneva police on Sunday fired teargas at protesters who set fire to a Tesla vehicle and smashed windows at a United Nations agency as they vented their anger at a Group of Seven summit about to take place across the border in France.
Some 20,000 people gathered for a march that was initially peaceful but protesters later targeted what they depicted as symbols of capitalism and multilateralism, including the parked Tesla and the UN office.
Clashes Between Protesters and Police
Demonstrators ripped bricks from the ground to throw at police, while children cried as teargas wafted over downtown Geneva's sun-baked streets, Reuters witnesses said.
Motivations Behind the Protests
Protests have been common at G7 gatherings over the years, with many demonstrators using the summits to decry capitalism, globalisation, climate change and inequality.
Symbolism of the G7 and Economic Power
Demonstrators said they came to protest against the G7 as a symbol of concentrated political and economic power. Last week Tesla owner Elon Musk, who has worked as an advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, became the world's first trillionaire.
Voices from the Protest
"To me, it's a meeting of the rich that shows once again how the rich can become even richer while the poor are left behind," said protestor Pippa Saugy.
Upcoming G7 Summit and Security Measures
The June 15–17 G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, on the shore of Lake Geneva, will bring together the leaders of France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, alongside the European Union.
Wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are set to dominate the agenda, while leaders will seek to avoid a clash with Trump as he seeks to finalise a framework peace deal with Iran.
Geneva's Response to Anticipated Unrest
In Geneva, businesses were boarded up and hundreds of riot police were deployed in the streets amid prior concerns the about violence.
Public Reaction to Police Presence
Mattia Piccard, bristled at the strong police presence.
"This is an attempt to frighten demonstrators, to frighten people and discourage them from coming out to protest," Piccard said.
Highlighting Gender Inequality
Clélia Colin, another demonstrator, said she wanted to raise the issue of gender inequality.
"The values represented by the G7 are completely misogynistic, and they contribute to inequality," said Colin.
(Reporting by Gabriel StargardterEditing by Christina Fincher)
