US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the recent unrest in France, claiming that Paris would soon become a “Muslim city” and urging French President Emmanuel Macron to tighten the country’s borders.
“Paris is going to be a Muslim city very soon, and that wasn’t the deal,” Trump told reporters on Monday. He claimed he had warned Macron about immigration policies several years ago.
“The France thing is a very sad situation. What’s happening in France has to do with immigration, not schools, not anything. It’s immigration,” Trump said.
“I told President Macron, ‘Close up your borders!’” he added.
Trump’s remarks came as French authorities introduced localised curfews and restrictions on public gatherings following a weekend of protests over the rising cost of living that turned violent in several cities.
Nearly 2,400 Arrested After Violence in France
French authorities reported that nearly 2,400 people had been arrested following clashes, looting and damage to public and private property. Around 3,000 businesses were reportedly affected, while nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, according to figures cited by French authorities.
In Paris, police imposed an overnight curfew from 11 pm on Monday until 6 am on Tuesday in areas including Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Demonstrations and gatherings were also prohibited in certain areas from 8 pm.
Other cities introduced restrictions as authorities sought to prevent further violence.
The protests were organised amid public anger over rising living costs and economic pressures. Organisers hoped to mobilise workers, students, retirees and other groups dissatisfied with the country’s economic and social conditions.
French Government Vows to Restore Order
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the government’s response and said localised curfews were more appropriate than imposing restrictions across the entire country.
“My determination to restore order is absolute,” Lecornu said, adding that he would not rule out declaring a state of emergency if the situation required it.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged shortcomings in the authorities’ preparations and said police had “lost control” of the situation in some cities.
Nuñez offered his resignation, but Macron rejected it. The French president called for transparency over failures in planning and intelligence gathering and instructed authorities to introduce changes to security operations.
Macron also condemned the destruction while distinguishing between peaceful demonstrators and those involved in violence.
“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,” he said.
Trump’s Comments Add to Immigration Debate
Trump has repeatedly made immigration a central issue in his political agenda and has urged European countries to tighten border controls.
His latest comments linked the unrest in France to immigration, although the protests were organised around economic concerns, including the cost of living.
French authorities have continued to investigate the violence and assess damage to businesses and public buildings as the government faces mounting pressure to restore order.
