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Protesters March to Davos, Decry WEF as Undemocratic "Dictatorship"

Around 600 activists completed a two-day protest march through the Swiss Alps toward Davos as the World Economic Forum's annual meeting prepares to begin. The protesters, representing a broad coalition, denounced the WEF as an undemocratic forum for global elites that perpetuates capitalism, climate change, and social inequality. Organizers framed the action as a systemic challenge to global power structures, calling for an economy based on public needs. The march is set to converge with other demonstrations in Davos amid heightened security for the high-profile summit.

Key Points: Davos Protest March Challenges World Economic Forum

  • 600 protesters march to Davos
  • Criticize WEF's elite influence
  • Demand democratic economy over capitalism
  • Protest climate and inequality policies
  • Heightened security for summit
2 min read

Protesters march through Alpine villages against World Economic Forum in Davos

Hundreds march through Swiss Alps to protest WEF in Davos, criticizing capitalism, elite power, and climate inaction ahead of the annual meeting.

"Democracy rather than WEF dictatorship - Protesters' placard"

Davos, January 18

Around 600 people participated in a two-day-long protest march toward Davos, where the World Economic Forum's annual meeting is due to begin on Monday.

The demonstration, held on Saturday (local time), underscores growing public discontent with the influential gathering of global political and business leaders, reports Swissinfo, the international online service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation.

Protesters set off from Kublis in southeastern Switzerland, trekking through wintry terrain toward Davos in what organisers described as a statement against capitalism, entrenched power structures, and policies they see as contributing to climate change and social inequality. Many carried placards with slogans calling for "Democracy rather than WEF dictatorship" and opposing oligarchic influence on global affairs.

Participants in the march represent a broad mix of activists from Switzerland and abroad, united in their criticism of the WEF's role in shaping economic and environmental policies. A spokesperson for the "Strike-WEF" collective said the presence of high-profile attendees, including international political figures, has intensified the urgency and visibility of their protest.

Organisers have framed their opposition not simply as a rejection of one event, but as a challenge to what they see as systemic issues in global governance. Calls for a democratised economy based on public needs, rather than elite interests, were central themes throughout the demonstration, reports Swissinfo.

While the WEF meeting in Davos draws thousands of influential leaders, including heads of state, CEOs, and policy experts to discuss global challenges, critics argue that such forums lack democratic legitimacy and fail to address the root causes of crises facing the world today.

Security in and around Davos has been heightened in recent days as authorities prepare for the annual summit that runs until Friday, January 23, with other protests and demonstrations expected in the coming week.

On Sunday, the protesters are due to arrive in Davos and join an anti-WEF demonstration organised by the youth section of the left-wing Social Democratic Party, Swissinfo said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I understand the frustration, I'm not sure protests in the Alps will change much. The real work is at the national level. In India, we need to focus on holding our own leaders accountable for climate action and inequality, not just blaming global forums. The intent is good, but the impact seems symbolic.
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Ananya R
The slogans against "oligarchic influence" hit home. Look at the farmer protests here or the fight against big industrial projects. Common people everywhere feel their voices are drowned out by money and power. Solidarity with those marching in the cold! 🧣
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Michael C
Interesting to see this. The WEF does bring together important minds to discuss real problems. Maybe the criticism is valid about access and influence, but completely dismissing the forum might be counterproductive. Dialogue, even among elites, is better than no dialogue at all.
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Kavya N
Climate change and social inequality are global issues that need global solutions. But when the solutions are designed by a closed group in Davos, can they ever be fair for developing countries like India? We often get the short end of the stick. The protest gives me hope that people are watching.
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Siddharth J
Respect to the organisers for a peaceful, two-day march in winter. That's commitment. It's a powerful image—ordinary people trekking through snow to challenge the world's most powerful people gathering in a luxury resort. Speaks volumes about the gap between them and us.

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