The Swiss Alpine town of Davos is used to celebrities and high-rollers, but even it is relishing new attention being heaped on it with US President Donald Trump's decision to attend the World Economic Forum this month - the first by a sitting US president since Bill Clinton came in 2000. Trump's policies, including his intention to exit the 2015 Paris climate accord and his "America First" tendencies, may not sit well with all of Switzerland, which backs the global climate pact and whose economy relies on global trade. This has prompted some critics to suggest Trump's polarising persona could resurrect violent anti-WEF protests from the early 2000s. An online petition is circulating telling Trump he is not welcome. Still, the tenor in Davos this week was upbeat, with many confident a robust security contingent - up to 5,000 soldiers if necessary alongside about 1,000 police - can handle any furore. "It doesn't get any better than this," said Ernst Wyrsch, who was director of the hot...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.