First Anti-G8 demonstration in Lausanne

Anti-G8 demonstration in Lausanne
Matt S
May 29, 2003- 20:42

There was the first major anti-G8 mobilisation in Lausanne today. Several thousand people took part in the legal march, including a pink-silver contingent from the village and a newly arrived contingent of Black Bloc.

There was the first major anti-G8 mobilisation in Lausanne today. Several thousand people took part in the legal march, including a pink-silver contingent from the village and a newly arrived contingent of Black Bloc.

The legal march was organised by the anti-G8 mobilisation, but it featured a wide variety of different groups. Several, such as the pink-silver and black blocs, will probably grow and take part in the blockade of Lausanne on Sunday June 1st.

While most of the marchers assembled directly in the startpoint at Lausanne, the pink-silver bloc from the c'village chose to walk into the town from their encampment. Led by an improvised but loud and enthusiastic samba band, the bloc quickly ran into the newly arrived black bloc and friends, who were marching into town from the Bourdonette camp (the official camp provided by the authorities, only a few 100 metres away from the village). The two united, and took to the highway for the half hour walk to the assembly point.

As soon as they arrived the heavens opened and a thunderstorm began, but everyone perservered and started up the steep hills of Lausanne. The black bloc reacted somewhat to a line of riot cops protecting the main shopping district, and it is possible (no info as yet) that there was some small property destruction. However, mostly the demo was a peaceful preparation for the blockades and legal march on Sunday.

On reaching the square the pink-silver contingent reformed (scattered by the thunderstorm!) and took the stairs of the museum, performing for the crowds below. On seeing street theatre performers dressed as the leaders of the G8, they congaed into the crowd and surrounded the evildoers...converting them with the power of samba. Tony Blair dancing was something to see!

The atmosphere in Lausanne is still peaceful, with a huge amount of space for different political groupings to contribute their input. A call has gone out for an 'Aqua' bloc (pacifist NVDA) to join the pink/silver and black blocs on Sunday..the plans are still developing, in sporadic co-ordination with Geneva and Annemasse.

DOWN WITH THE G8!