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Donald Trump and Elon Musk are looming large over this year’s World Economic Forum.
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Protests in Davos began on Sunday, with some demonstrators blocking traffic.
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The president of the Young Socialists called out Musk’s meddling in European politics.
Protests against the World Economic Forum in Davos began on Sunday, with demonstrators showing up to make their voices heard on issues like economic inequality and the climate crisis.
There are two other concerns on their minds this year, too: President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Dozens of protesters from the Young Socialists Switzerland, an offshoot of the country’s Social Democratic Party, gathered on Sunday outside the Hotel Davoserhof, just off the main promenade in Davos. Other demonstrators blocked traffic further down the mountain, preventing some meeting attendees from reaching their destination.
About 3,000 world leaders also descended on the snow-blanketed town of Davos on Sunday ahead of the conference, where they will discuss issues ranging from clean energy to artificial intelligence.
Mirjam Hostetmann, president of the Young Socialists, said economic inequality, climate change, and global conflicts were top of mind for demonstrators.
However, with Trump set to be inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, his shadow, along with Musk’s, also loomed large.
For us, Trump is a danger to democracy,” Hostetmann told Business Insider. “His colleague Elon Musk is now disturbing the democracy in Europe. It’s a symbol of how dangerous the power of the rich is for us all.”
An umbrella at protests ahead of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland on Sunday.Hugh Langley/Business Insider
Trump, who is expected to be a big topic of conversation over the week, will address the forum remotely, the WEF announced. The timing of his inauguration has also left CEOs with a dilemma: Attend Trump’s big day or attend the first day of Davos.
Musk, who has criticized the WEF, will lead Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which seeks to drastically cut government spending. In recent weeks, Musk has also championed right-wing politics in Europe.
“Trump is, of course, a big worry we have,” said Charlotte Günther, another member of the Young Socialists. She said she was there because climate change and global conflicts are her biggest concerns.
“The biggest issue is that you can’t put profit over the environment,” she told BI. “I will listen to the speeches, make some noise, and try to show those people that we’re here.”
One climate protester dressed as Trump was getting a lot of attention from passers-by. “We have a real issue, and he has the power to make a change,” he told BI, referring to the next US president.
A protester at Davos dressed as Donald Trump.Spriha Srivastava/Business Insider
Hostetmann said the Young Socialists expected other groups to join them in the coming hours and days, including anti-capitalism activists from Strike WEF. A march is scheduled for later in the week, she added.
“It’s funny because I will be invited to the forum,” Hostetmann said. “But my place is here, not there.”
Got more insight to share? You can reach the reporter Hugh Langley via the encrypted messaging app Signal (+1-628-228-1836) or email (hlangley@businessinsider.com).
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