US President Donald Trump blamed immigration for the violent protests that swept across France and urged authorities to close the country’s borders.
Trump posted the comments on his Truth Social platform on Sunday. He wrote: “France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country. Close your borders and take control, before it is too late!”
Meanwhile, the remarks followed a day of widespread violence on Saturday. Demonstrations against the high cost of living and poor public services had continued for weeks before they escalated into rioting in several major cities.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said around 1,800 people were arrested nationwide. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters suffered injuries during the clashes.
In addition, rioters set fire to the historic city hall in Limoges, causing part of the building to collapse. Looting and damage also hit shops and public buildings in Paris, Marseille and other cities. Authorities estimated losses in the hundreds of millions of euros.
The unrest began with student demonstrations over school conditions and later grew to include broader complaints about living costs. French officials did not link the violence to immigration and instead pointed to radical groups and opportunists who joined the marches to loot.
Furthermore, US Vice President JD Vance had earlier criticised European migration policies in connection with the events. French President Emmanuel Macron planned to address the nation later on Sunday.
