Various Geneva shops are preparing their windows for the G7 summit in Evian, France. Image: KEYSTONE
June 8, 2026, 2:23 p.mJune 8, 2026, 2:23 p.m
Before the G7 summit in Évian, France, Geneva carpenters are reaching their limits. Because many shops have their shop fronts secured against possible riots, protective material and free capacity among craftsmen are becoming scarce.
In the urban areas that are considered particularly at risk, “most shops have decided to take protective measures,” said Flore Teysseire, general secretary of the Genève Commerces trade association, to the Keystone-SDA news agency on Monday. The shops on Rue du Rhône even remain closed. The costs for securing the shop fronts range between 3,000 and 100,000 francs.
Since the announcement of an approved demonstration next Sunday on the right bank of the Rhone, numerous business owners there are now trying to protect their establishments. For many, however, this comes too late. “The carpenters are fully booked or hardly have any material left,” explained Teysseire.
Brings back negative memories: At the 2003 G8 summit in Évian-les-Bains, there were riots and massive damage to property in Geneva.Image: KEYSTONE
How high the economic losses will be cannot currently be quantified. Many companies did not publish their lost sales in such situations. However, the effects are likely to extend throughout the entire summit week. Results of a survey among Genève Commerces members are expected in early July.
Additional burdens arise from the stricter border controls. Although customs offices remain open, longer waiting times are likely to make it more difficult for many employees to get to work and thus also have an impact on business activity. Restaurants and cafés are particularly affected by this.
Criticism of compensation funds
The catering industry is also concerned. Simon Brandt, director of the Geneva industry association for cafés, restaurants and hotels, criticizes the compensation fund of six million francs approved by the State Council. This only covers damage caused by property damage. However, operating losses and the costs of protective measures would not be compensated.
Locals in Geneva not only fear damage to property, but also loss of business.Image: KEYSTONE
“It’s about a few million francs, not hundreds of millions,” said Brandt. Similar support was also possible during the Covid-19 pandemic. He is convinced that the authorities would reconsider their stance after the summit if smaller companies run into financial difficulties.
Some innkeepers have already foregone protective measures because they lack the necessary resources. Numerous restaurants are planning to close at least on the day of the demonstration. According to Brandt, individual businesses in the international organizations’ quarters will remain closed for the entire summit week because a significant decline in business activity is expected. (nil/sda)