Trump says “France is burning” and “shattered” by immigration
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US President Donald Trump on Sunday blamed immigration for unrest during protests in France and urged the country to tighten its migration rules.
"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 said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
"Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!"
Protests driven by economic, social grievances
The unrest follows weeks of demonstrations that began in late September, when students protested poor school conditions, teacher shortages and deteriorating school facilities. The movement subsequently expanded to include wider grievances over inequality, public spending cuts and the rising cost of living.
On Saturday hundreds of thousands of people took part in demonstrations across France. While many marched peacefully, violent groups clashed with police, looted shops and set fires, with public buildings also targeted.
French authorities reported nearly 1,800 arrests by Sunday, while more than 500 police officers and other emergency personnel were injured.
A historic town hall in Limoges was also severely damaged by fire.
Trump's comments place the unrest within his broader criticism of European immigration policies.
On October 6, he also attributed the French student protests to migration and Islam, claiming they were not primarily about school conditions.
AFP reported at the time that no link had been established between the student movement and religious or identity-based demands.
French officials have instead pointed to the role of radical political groups and criminals in the violence.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed far-left extremists and people committing crimes, while President Emmanuel Macron vowed to hold those responsible for attacks accountable.
The unrest comes months before France's 2027 presidential election, adding to political tensions over public spending, living standards, security and immigration.
