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The summit of the G7 opens this Saturday, August 24 in Biarritz. The system set up to host the heads of state of seven of the world's largest powers in the seaside resort of southwestern France is colossal and mobilizes several thousand people. RFI returns to the key figures of this G7 in Biarritz.
In charge of the presidency of the G7 for the year 2019, France is in charge of the organization of the summit of Biarritz which opens this Saturday. Several thousand people are expected. Here are some highlights of this summit.
- 44
It is the number of summits of the G7 which preceded that of Biarritz which will open this Saturday, August 24th. Chaired by France, this is the 45th G7, but the format of this summit has changed a lot since its first edition. In 1975 in Rambouillet, the first G7 brings together only 6 states: France, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany. From the second summit in 1976, Canada and the representatives of the European Union will be added to this list. From 1998, the G7 became the G8 following the invitation to the summit of Russia. This same Russia will be finally excluded from the group of 8 in 2014 after it invaded Crimea.
- EUR 36.4 million
This is the estimated cost of organizing this G7 in the seaside resort of Biarritz. The sum may already seem colossal but the French government is already happy to have held a certain budgetary rigor. " This is a figure well below the figures we have known for previous summits whether in Canada or Italy, " said government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye at a press briefing Wednesday, August 21 . According to our colleagues from France 2 , out of these 36.4 million euros, 18.2 million are dedicated to the development of space to accommodate all delegations, 4.3 million will finance transport, the restoration and accommodation of these same delegations and the remaining 13.8 million will cover the security costs of the summit participants.
The last G7 had cost 410 million euros in Canada, including 271 just for security. The budget of this G7 in Biarritz seems very thin in comparison but it is only a budget budget voted by the Parliament, it could well be exceeded. To reduce costs, Sibeth Ndiaye however assured that the government had " appealed to the patronage of a number of large companies ."
- 13,200
The number of police and gendarmes will be mobilized to ensure the safety of the summit. They will also be supported by the French army. For the past twenty years, security has become the major issue of the G7 which attracts in its wake several thousands of anti-globalization activists who come to show their opposition to the great powers and hold counter-summits. In 2001, the G8 Genoa in Italy turns to disaster. Tens of thousands of protesters infiltrated by the " Black Block " face 10,000 police officers completely overwhelmed in the streets of the city. A 23-year-old activist is shot dead and two others are seriously injured. Several police officers and carabinieri will subsequently be sentenced for abuse of power and violence.
🎥 While #Biarritz is getting ready to welcome the # G7, # security forces remain mobilized throughout France and especially in tourist areas.
Example in Arcachon, where the @Gendarmerie ensures on land, as at sea, a dissuasive and reassuring presence. pic.twitter.com/WiTxRNr3PK
The Genoese fiasco subsequently pushes the organizers of the G7 to choose places more difficult to access and easier to secure. The security of heads of state and protesters becomes the number one concern. A few months after the crisis of " yellow vests " , the Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner knows that France can not afford new clashes. " We will not tolerate any overflow. If they occur, we will respond, "added the press to the press, traveling to Biarritz. For a possible judicial treatment of troublemakers, a special device was also set up on the Basque coast, with 17 prosecutors and 300 places of custody.
- 5,000 people expected for the summit
In total, and in addition to heads of state, nearly 5,000 people are expected for this summit. This figure includes members of each of the 25 foreign delegations that make the trip, technicians but also and especially 3000 journalists from around the world who have been accredited to cover the event.
- And 12,000 people expected for a counter-summit
At the same time, no less than 12,000 people are expected to take part in the counter-summit organized by NGOs, which runs until 26 August in Hendaye and Irun. Given the number of police forces deployed, there should be more than one policeman or gendarme for each anti-G7 activist present in the region of Biarritz this weekend. A demonstration is planned in Hendaye this Saturday, August 24 and seven gatherings are scheduled Sunday from 12h to 16.
- Two, as the number of airports put to contribution
To charter all delegations, no less than two airports in the region are involved. Biarritz airport is closed to the public from Friday 23 to Monday 26 August. During this period, no commercial flights will be provided and all airport infrastructure will be made available to the summit. A total of 2,400 people will be mobilized for four days to deal with the reception of delegations. But that's not all, the Bordeaux-MĂ©rignac airport will also be in charge of welcoming a distinguished guest. Indeed, the weight and size of Air Force One could make his landing on the small airport of Biarritz a little too complicated, Donald Trump should land in Bordeaux. A US Air Force Boeing C-17 landed Tuesday, August 20 in the Basque Country with on board the helicopter that will transport the American president and his wife from MĂ©rignac airport to Biarritz.
#Hondarribia RT @AEROCLUBVITORI
El C17 of the USAF aterrizando en Hondarribi Fuenterrabia pic.twitter.com/M6RYcwbkv8