Violent Protests Erupt in Switzerland Ahead of Trump’s Davos Visit

Violent protests erupt in Switzerland as President Trump prepares for his Davos World Economic Forum speech, with demonstrators burning American flags and clashing with riot police over his Greenland takeover push.

Anti-Trump Demonstrations Turn Chaotic in Multiple Swiss Cities

Tensions flared in Switzerland as violent protests erupted ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival in Davos for the World Economic Forumhttps://www.bbc.com/news/live/cjrzjqg8dlwt. Demonstrators set American flags ablaze and clashed with riot police, highlighting widespread opposition to the U.S. president’s appearance at the high-profile global economic summit.

Around 300 protesters marched through Davos on January 19, chanting slogans such as “Trump not welcome” and criticizing Swiss authorities for hosting the U.S. president. Local media reported smashed windows, fires, and other property damage as tensions escalated.

Police Respond with Force Amid Escalating Violence

Swiss authorities deployed officers in full riot gear, using water cannons, chemical irritants, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Police also reported being targeted with fireworks, and two officers were hit by stones but remained unharmed.

In Zurich, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets Sunday night, with activists projecting a cartoon image of Trump onto a nearby ski slope, labeling him the “Spirit of plutocracy.” Similar protests occurred in Bern, where authorities sealed off the city center to control the crowds.

Greenland Controversy Fuels International Tensions

The protests coincided with Trump’s aggressive push to acquire Greenland for U.S. national security purposes. The president has refused to rule out military options, drawing criticism from European leaders and activists alike.

Trump addressed the issue on social media, emphasizing Greenland’s strategic importance:

"As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back on that, everyone agrees. The United States of America is the most powerful country anywhere on the globe, by far."

Economic and Security Discussions at Davos

The World Economic Forum, held annually in eastern Switzerland, gathers heads of state, CEOs, bankers, and policymakers to discuss global trade, security, and geopolitics. This year, trade tensions, the war in Ukraine, and broader security concerns are expected to dominate discussions.

Despite the unrest, Trump is scheduled to deliver his speech at the forum, signaling continued U.S. influence on global economic and geopolitical debates.