United States President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the unrest in France, urging the French government to close its borders and tighten migration controls following violent protests that resulted in widespread destruction and mass arrests.
Trump made the remarks on Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he linked immigration to the violence that erupted during nationwide demonstrations across France.
“France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country,” Trump wrote. “Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!”
His comments came as France assessed the damage caused by Saturday’s demonstrations, which saw shops looted, public buildings attacked and a historic town hall in Limoges set ablaze. French authorities reported approximately 1,800 arrests following the unrest.
The protests, which attracted hundreds of thousands of demonstrators nationwide, were driven by grievances including rising living costs and concerns over conditions in schools. What began as largely peaceful demonstrations escalated into violence in several cities, including Paris and Marseille.
Trump’s remarks followed similar comments by United States Vice-President JD Vance, who had also attributed the unrest to immigration policies and criticised European governments for what he described as failures to address integration and assimilation.
In a post on X on Saturday, Vance argued that Western governments had neglected questions about integration while promoting diversity and compassion. He also expressed concern over the destruction of French landmarks.
The unrest has placed additional pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron’s administration, with the country preparing for presidential elections in 2027.
However, French authorities have pointed to violent groups and criminal opportunists as responsible for looting and attacks during the demonstrations. The protests have also been linked to broader public dissatisfaction with living costs and government policies, complicating claims that immigration alone explains the unrest.
Post a Comment