Thousands of protesters have been expected to rally in Geneva under a heavy police presence ahead of the G7 summit in Evian in neighbouring France, amid fears of a repeat of the violence that marked a similar summit in 2003.
The “No-G7” coalition of more than 60 associations, unions and left-wing groups aims to denounce “fascism and imperialism”. The demonstration takes place the day before Group of Seven leaders start their three-day annual gathering.
The G7 summit will be one of the first major international gatherings since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran in late February, upending the Middle East and widening transatlantic tensions.
The G7 brings together the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with invited leaders from several other countries, including Brazil and India.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting the event, is due to arrive in Evian on Sunday evening, followed by other leaders on Monday, including US President Donald Trump.
The group will have a packed agenda of potentially explosive issues, including efforts to end the war in Iran and re-open the key Strait of Hormuz shipping bottleneck, with Trump insisting that a deal could be signed on Sunday.
Geneva on edge
Most of the leaders will be arriving at Geneva Airport, before making the journey to Evian.
Geneva, about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southwest of the French spa town, is on edge.
The authorities are anxious to avoid any repeat of the mayhem of 2003, when anti-G7 protesters cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage in the Swiss city.
Related
The violence, looting and clashes live long in the memory and small shops, supermarkets and university buildings, some of them far from the protest route, are taking no chances and have boarded up their facades.
Several other events in the city have been scrapped, and the main hospital has set up large tents in case there is an influx of casualties.
The Swiss authorities have permitted a march around a lengthy loop on the north side of the city, well away from the city centre and its luxury boutiques.
