US President Donald Trump has mocked France over violent unrest in the country, joking that the European nation appeared to be a natural destination for revolutions as protests against the rising cost of living escalated into clashes, looting and arson.
“France seems to be so damn good for revolutions. It’s unbelievable. Let’s go to France and join the revolution,” Trump said, making light of the situation during his remarks.
His comments came a day after demonstrations across France turned violent, leaving streets damaged and shops ransacked. The protests, driven by public anger over soaring living costs, also saw confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel in Paris and several other cities.
According to France’s Interior Ministry, around 550,000 people participated in the nationwide demonstrations, while the CGT trade union estimated the turnout at 800,000.
Police deployed tear gas and water cannons as some protesters allegedly hurled projectiles and set off fireworks. Groups of masked individuals were also reported to have set vehicles on fire and looted commercial establishments.
Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said several streets in the capital had suffered extensive damage following the violence.
The unrest followed weeks of student protests and came around six months before elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron, adding to the political pressure on the French government.
