RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected claims by United States President Donald Trump linking recent violent protests in France to immigration, describing comments made by foreign leaders about the unrest as misleading and unacceptable.
The disagreement follows days of demonstrations across France over rising living costs, deteriorating public services and challenges facing the country’s education system.
What began as largely peaceful protests by secondary school students escalated into widespread unrest over the weekend, with incidents of looting, vandalism and violent confrontations between protesters and security personnel.
Thousands of people were arrested as businesses, public buildings and other properties suffered damage in several French cities.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump argued that European immigration policies were responsible for the instability.
He warned that European countries risked further disorder unless they strengthened border controls and removed individuals involved in criminal activities.
However, Macron dismissed the explanation while addressing journalists during a visit to Qatar on Wednesday.
The French president accused some foreign leaders of exploiting the disturbances for political purposes, particularly ahead of elections in their respective countries.
Macron also raised concerns about the circulation of misleading information and artificial intelligence-generated images depicting incidents that had not occurred in France.
Asked whether his criticism was directed at Trump, Macron confirmed that the American president was among those he was referring to.
French authorities have not presented evidence establishing immigration as the cause of the violence.
Instead, the demonstrations have largely centred on concerns about increasing household expenses, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate educational resources and declining public services.
The protests initially attracted students demanding better learning conditions before expanding into a broader movement involving workers and other groups dissatisfied with economic conditions.
However, violent incidents during the demonstrations have prompted the French government to strengthen security arrangements.
Authorities introduced temporary curfews in affected areas and deployed additional security personnel to prevent further destruction of property.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance also criticised European immigration policies, arguing that liberal approaches to migration had contributed to social tensions.
His comments added to the political disagreement surrounding the disturbances.
In France, the government has faced criticism over its handling of the unrest, while opposition figures have expressed differing views about the causes of the violence and the appropriate security response.
The situation has also generated wider debate across Europe as demonstrations over economic difficulties and public services spread to other countries.
Despite the political disagreement, the underlying concerns of French protesters remain focused on education, affordability and the government’s response to public dissatisfaction.
French authorities are preparing additional security measures ahead of further demonstrations, while Macron has called for discussions aimed at addressing the grievances that contributed to the unrest.
