Former US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by claiming France is ‘burning down’ due to its immigration policies. Speaking at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, Trump asserted that France has ‘open borders to people who hate it,’ linking the situation to US immigration debates.
His remarks come amidst widespread protests across France, where nearly 1,000 people were arrested in demonstrations against the rising cost of living and educational inequality. These protests, which saw clashes between demonstrators and police in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other major cities, have been ongoing for over a month, initially sparked by student grievances.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during a state visit to Qatar, strongly criticized ‘stupid comments’ from foreign leaders who exploit France’s domestic unrest for their own political gain. Without directly naming Trump, Macron indicated his remarks were aimed at leaders ‘on the other side of the Atlantic’ who are in ‘campaign mode.’ He also refuted claims of external interference, stating there has been ‘foreign manipulation of information’ leading to ‘unacceptable and stupid comments.’
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also weighed in, alleging France was facing an ‘invasion of extremist Islam’ and criticizing French authorities for not adequately preparing for the disorder. These international comments highlight the global attention on France’s internal challenges and the differing interpretations of their causes.