A permitted demonstration against the World Economic Forum (WEF) descended into violence in Zurich on Monday evening, with protesters burning a US flag and vandalising the premises of several American companies.
Chaos on the Streets of Zurich
According to reports from Swiss newspaper 20minuten, the protest began at Bürkliplatz town square before turning aggressive. Masked individuals were filmed setting fire to a large American flag in the middle of the street. The crowd chanted 'One Solution – Revolution!' as they let off firecrackers, smoke grenades, and fireworks.
Protesters also targeted commercial properties, smashing shop windows and spray-painting buildings. Affected businesses included the luxury car brand Cadillac and the international corporation Nestlé. A local casino was daubed with the graffiti 'Money Stinks.' Video footage showed barricades being built, bins set alight, and chairs scattered across the area.
Police Intervention and Injuries
As demonstrators sat down to create a street blockade, police moved in, ordering the crowd to disperse. After dialogue and a second request failed, officers escalated their response. Water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets were deployed to clear the area.
Medics confirmed several people were injured during the clashes. It was also reported that two police officers were hit by stones thrown by protesters.
Davos Backdrop and Global Tensions
The Zurich chaos unfolded as corporate chiefs and world leaders gathered for the high-profile WEF meeting in Davos. The event is set to be dominated by US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech on Wednesday.
The protest prominently featured anti-Trump sentiment, with signs reading 'Trump not welcome,' 'Trump for prison,' and 'Trump is a criminal.' Slogans against the Israeli government were also heard, according to local media.
The demonstration highlighted the tense international climate preceding the forum. President Trump's recent threats regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland and warnings over NATO have sparked diplomatic friction, with the EU reportedly considering retaliatory tariffs.
Trump's attendance at Davos will also focus on his proposed 'Board of Peace' for Gaza, to which figures like Vladimir Putin have reportedly been invited. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy is hoping to meet Trump to discuss security guarantees.
