Davos, long the target of activism, may be entering a more peaceful phase. Despite some radical protests in the early 2000s and in the wake of the financial crisis, few incidents have been reported by the Swiss police in recent years.

Some protesters claim this is down to tough tactics from the police. Anna Hutsol of Femen, the Ukrainian feminist group that staged a topless protest at the World Economic Forum last year, said "increased security measures" made it difficult for protesters to approach the town, with activists being removed from trains up to 20 kilometres from Davos to stop them protesting.