Drug trafficking in Annemasse, looting of shops, protests against the high cost of living: the situation in France does not stop at the border. In Switzerland, an initial call for a national protest has been issued for 20 November. Our Risk & Intelligence Department has published a report examining the impact of these tensions on Geneva and Swiss businesses. The report is available free of charge on GPA Alert.
Tensions are rising on the outskirts of Geneva
Since 6 September, the Annemasse conurbation has been embroiled in a turf war linked to drug trafficking. There have been at least five shootings. On 11 October, the alleged perpetrator of one of these shootings was arrested in Geneva, on Quai Général-Guisan.
On 17 October, the nationwide protests against the high cost of living were accompanied by looting in more than ten French towns and cities. According to the Federation of Trade and Retail, around 1,500 shops were affected, and 1,200 people were arrested. In Annemasse, eleven shops in the town centre were looted during the night of 17–18 October, just a few minutes’ drive from the Moillesulaz border crossing.
First protest rally in Switzerland on 20 November
The Swiss Young Socialists are calling for a national youth and student strike against austerity and militarisation. The event is scheduled for 20 November, with protests planned to continue until 22 November. This call forms part of a European movement that could bring together thousands of people across around ten countries (Le Temps).
The organisers do not expect any disturbances, and the locations of the gatherings are not yet known. In Geneva, gatherings may take place in the city centre and near diplomatic premises. Our report identifies this day as the first occasion requiring vigilance on Swiss territory, and sets out the signs to watch out for:
An announcement regarding a location or route in Geneva. A local call to action linked to the strike would raise the alert level, particularly if it is relayed by autonomous groups or French movements.
Calls from independent groups. Messages urging people to join the procession or to leave it.
Geneva has been spared, but is not immune to the knock-on effects
As of 21 October, no disturbances have been reported in Geneva or elsewhere in Switzerland. However, businesses in Geneva are already feeling the effects of the situation in France.
Commutes for cross-border workers. They are being delayed by roadblocks and fuel shortages in Haute-Savoie.
Deliveries and service calls. These are postponed on days of industrial action.
Activities in France. Some Swiss companies have had some of their shops looted.
Sites near the border. They are more at risk should the situation deteriorate.
The next events are scheduled to take place in France on 24 and 31 October and 5 November, followed by events in Switzerland from 20 to 22 November.
The 2027 French presidential election will then mark a new period requiring vigilance: the first round will take place on 18 April and the second on 2 May.
What the report contains
The report is 28 pages long, with data current as at 21 October 2026. It clearly distinguishes between three levels of analysis: the documented facts, our analytical assessments and the scenarios to be prepared.
Six risk scenarios. Each is assessed in terms of probability and impact, over a timeframe extending to 22 November.
A monitoring schedule and specific warning signs. These indicate when a scenario is drawing nearer.
A case study. It focuses on jewellery shops, watch shops and currency exchange bureaux.
Measures by group. Cross-border workers, shops, businesses operating in France, travellers.
A list of 77 incidents. These were recorded between September and October 2026.
The assessment will be updated after 24 October, and then again before 20 November.
The Intelligence Report is available free of charge on GPA Alert. To get it:
Request access. Visit alert.gpa.ch.
Download the app. GPA Alert also alerts you in real time to incidents in your vicinity, verified by our G-SOC.
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