US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the unrest in France, linking the violence to people he described as having hatred in their hearts.
“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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The protests initially began with students demanding more teachers and improved school conditions. They later expanded to include trade unions and people concerned about rising living costs and public services. Demonstrations were also held against high inflation, with France’s Interior Ministry estimating that 550,000 people participated, while the CGT union put the figure at 800,000.
However, the protests have been accompanied by arson, looting and attacks on public buildings, leaving streets damaged across several cities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said around 1,800 people had been arrested, with investigations underway to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. Police in Paris reported a record 855 arrests.
Several shops were looted by masked youths, while streets were left littered with burnt barricades, damaged shop windows and charred vehicles. Around 500 police officers, firefighters and paramedics were reportedly injured during the unrest.
