Peaceful Protests Erupt Ahead of World Economic Forum in Davos
Swiss police clear activists protesting wealth inequality as global leaders prepare for WEF discussions
DAVOS, Switzerland: On Sunday, around 300 protesters, including millionaires advocating for wealth redistribution, assembled in Davos to express dissent against the forthcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) set to commence in the Swiss Alps.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as 'Tax the rich,' 'Shut up! Pay taxes,' and 'Smash colonial capitalism,' effectively obstructing the road leading to the event's location.
Authorities from the Graubunden cantonal police, after issuing two orders to disperse, took action to clear the protesters, as reported by the Keystone-ATS news agency.
This intervention was prompted by significant traffic disruptions on the highway leading to the WEF venue, set to begin on Monday.
Notably, Austrian-German heiress Marlene Engelhorn participated in the protest.
Engelhorn is known for donating a substantial portion of her inheritance to organizations focused on addressing social issues.
She voiced concerns through AFPTV about the influence of wealth concentration, stating, 'The WEF symbolizes how much power wealthy people like me hold,' and emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within global governance.
Engelhorn also criticized the environmental impact of the private jets arriving for the summit.
Joining her was Phil White from the UK, a member of the organization Patriotic Millionaires, which advocates for tax reforms on the affluent.
The annual gathering, established in 1971, brings together hundreds of business leaders, policymakers, and notable figures to discuss pressing global issues.
This year, over 60 heads of state and government officials are slated to attend.
A significant focus of the forum will be the political landscape following the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to address the event via videolink on January 23.
Observers continue to scrutinize the influence of affluent individuals in shaping political discourse, as discussions at the WEF often emphasize topics such as wealth inequality, climate change, and global governance.
The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as 'Tax the rich,' 'Shut up! Pay taxes,' and 'Smash colonial capitalism,' effectively obstructing the road leading to the event's location.
Authorities from the Graubunden cantonal police, after issuing two orders to disperse, took action to clear the protesters, as reported by the Keystone-ATS news agency.
This intervention was prompted by significant traffic disruptions on the highway leading to the WEF venue, set to begin on Monday.
Notably, Austrian-German heiress Marlene Engelhorn participated in the protest.
Engelhorn is known for donating a substantial portion of her inheritance to organizations focused on addressing social issues.
She voiced concerns through AFPTV about the influence of wealth concentration, stating, 'The WEF symbolizes how much power wealthy people like me hold,' and emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability within global governance.
Engelhorn also criticized the environmental impact of the private jets arriving for the summit.
Joining her was Phil White from the UK, a member of the organization Patriotic Millionaires, which advocates for tax reforms on the affluent.
The annual gathering, established in 1971, brings together hundreds of business leaders, policymakers, and notable figures to discuss pressing global issues.
This year, over 60 heads of state and government officials are slated to attend.
A significant focus of the forum will be the political landscape following the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who is scheduled to address the event via videolink on January 23.
Observers continue to scrutinize the influence of affluent individuals in shaping political discourse, as discussions at the WEF often emphasize topics such as wealth inequality, climate change, and global governance.
