The World Economic Forum (WEF), a foundation whose membership consists of chief executives of the world's richest corporations, some national political leaders (presidents, prime ministers and others), and selected intellectuals and journalists, is meeting this week in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos. This neo-liberal institution has been a focal point of the extra-parliamentary anti-capitalist movement in Switzerland for the last few years. Activists say that "the elite who are meeting at the luxury hotels of Davos are responsible for environmental destruction, poverty, exploitation and imperialist wars. The ones who are interested in personal advantages and profit can't have an honest interest in improving social structures. Capitalism is based on exploitation and maximisation of profits on the shoulders of people who are socially weaker."

After facing huge intimidation in recent years from the state's repressive forces (6,500 soldiers will be protecting the WEF), activists decided to focus on a decentralised Day of Action. Street-theatre, demonstrations, Reclaim the Streets parties and paint bomb attacks took place in a dozen towns [ Read More for a list of actions and photos ].

At the same time the World Social Forum (WSF) will take place. This year, activists will meet on three continents simultaneously - in Bamako (Mali), Caracas (Venezuela) and Karachi (Pakistan). A Peoples' Global Action will take place in Caracas and the Indymedia activists are planning to further strengthen our network in Africa.

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