Thousands of protesters gathered in Geneva on Sunday ahead of the G7 summit in neighboring France, but the demonstration turned violent after some participants vandalized property, set a Tesla vehicle on fire and damaged a United Nations office.

Swiss police responded by firing tear gas as clashes broke out in the city center.

Peaceful March Escalates Into Violence

Around 20,000 people joined the protest march, which began peacefully. However, tensions later escalated when a group of demonstrators targeted what they described as symbols of capitalism and international institutions.

Protesters set a parked Tesla on fire and smashed windows at a UN agency building. Some also pulled bricks from the ground and threw them at police officers.

Reuters witnesses reported scenes of chaos as tear gas spread through Geneva's streets, causing distress among families and children caught in the area.

Demonstrators Voice Anger at G7

Many participants said they opposed the G7 summit because they view it as a gathering of the world's most powerful political and economic leaders. Protesters argued that the summit represents concentrated wealth and influence at a time when many people continue to face economic hardship.

“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.

Focus on Wealth Inequality

The demonstrations came shortly after Tesla owner Elon Musk, who has served as an adviser to US President Donald Trump, became the world's first trillionaire.

Many protesters cited growing wealth inequality as one of the main reasons for taking part in the march.

Over the years, G7 summits have frequently attracted demonstrations focused on issues such as capitalism, globalization, climate change and social inequality.

G7 Leaders Gather in France

The G7 summit will take place from June 15 to 17 in Evian-les-Bains, a French town located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Leaders from the United States, France, Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy and Japan will attend the meeting alongside representatives of the European Union.

Key topics on the agenda include conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Leaders are also expected to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and regional security issues.

Heavy Security Presence Across Geneva

Authorities deployed hundreds of riot police across Geneva before the demonstration due to concerns that violence could occur. Many businesses boarded up their windows and storefronts as a precaution ahead of the march.

Some protesters criticized the extensive security measures. Mattia Piccard said, “This is an attempt to frighten demonstrators, to frighten people and discourage them from coming out to protest.”

Gender Equality Concerns Raised

Several demonstrators also used the event to highlight social issues beyond economic inequality. Protester Clélia Colin said she wanted to draw attention to gender inequality and what she sees as the values promoted by the G7 nations.

“The values represented by the G7 are completely misogynistic, and they contribute to inequality,” said Colin.

Tensions Rise Ahead of Summit

The unrest in Geneva highlights the strong opposition that often surrounds major international summits. While most participants demonstrated peacefully, the violence and police response underscored the tensions ahead of a gathering expected to focus on some of the world's most pressing political and security challenges.

The G7 summit begins on Monday amid heightened security and growing scrutiny from activists concerned about inequality, global conflicts and economic power.