France riots: 2,400 arrested as Macron vows action, Trump blames immigration

New Delhi: France is facing growing unrest after protests over school conditions and rising living costs turned violent. Demonstrations across several cities led to looting, arson and clashes with police. The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, has promised action against those responsible, while the violence has sparked a political debate over immigration, policing and public services.

At least 2,400 people were arrested during the protests. Authorities said 550,000 people joined Saturday’s demonstrations, while organizers estimated the turnout at 800,000, Associated Press reported. Fresh clashes broke out in Paris on Sunday, as police used tear gas against groups trying to set bicycles and bins on fire.

The violence also damaged public buildings and businesses in several cities. In Limoges, a fire engulfed the historic City Hall and caused its roof to collapse. In Marseille, protesters entered the City Hall lobby and damaged a police station. A tourist office in Lyon was also set ablaze. In Paris, several shops were looted and vehicles were damaged.

Macron vows action as Trump blames immigration

Macron condemned the violence in a televised address on Sunday. He expressed the public’s “anger” and “shame” over the destruction and promised legal action against those responsible. “Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” he said.

He directed regional officials to work with mayors to protect public buildings and businesses. He also said public gathering at certain area could be banned where necessary to prevent further violence. The government blamed radical far-left groups and criminals for much of the unrest.

Reacting to the unrest in France, the United States president, Donald Trump, linked the violence to immigration in a post on Truth Social. Writing “France is burning!”, he urged the country to close its borders.

Supporting Trump’s remarks, the Unites Staes vice-president, JD Vance, also reacted to the unrest in France. In a post on X, he blamed immigration and what he described as failures in assimilation, writing that western liberals had “imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion.”

Vance warned that more French landmarks could be damaged by the violence. He also urged Americans to pay attention, linking the situation in France to what he said the US congressional democrats wanted for the country.

However, French authorities have not yet linked immigration to the rioting.

French political leaders also traded accusations over the violence. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized Macron’s government for its handling of the crisis. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon blamed prime minister of France, Sébastien Lecornu, for worsening tensions but also condemned looting and destruction.

The mayors of Paris, Marseille and Lyon have requested a meeting with the prime minister to discuss the damage. The government now faces pressure to restore order while addressing concerns over education, living costs and public services.

Why Are People Protesting in France?

The protests began with students demanding better conditions in schools. They want more teachers and better facilities and better classroom resources. Students have also complained about teacher shortages, missed lessons and overcrowded classrooms.

The movement later gained support from trade unions and other groups. Rising living costs, pressure on household budgets and concerns over public services have added to public anger. Government plans to reduce public debt through spending cuts and tax measures have also faced opposition.

The protests have attracted supporters of France’s “yellow vest” movement, which began in 2018 against planned fuel-tax increases. The movement later grew into a wider campaign against rising costs and economic inequality.

The government has tried to address some concerns. The minister of national education of France, Édouard Geffray, also promised 3,000 additional supply teachers on October 8. However, the announcement has not stopped the demonstrations, RNA Media reported.