Trump blames migration and Islam for unrest in France; Fierce response follows

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise, responded to his claims, saying that, in his view, Marine Le Pen had presented Trump with a “made-up version” of the causes of the violence in France.

Mélenchon accused police of “provoking, attacking and injuring” young protesters and trade unionists.

Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social that the protests had nothing to do with problems in schools, but were instead the result, as he put it, of “uncontrolled mass migration” and Islam. He provided no evidence to support those claims.

The protests began among high school students, particularly in the Paris region, and later spread across the country. Students are demanding more teachers and staff, less overcrowded classrooms, as well as better conditions in schools.

Attacks on police

The demonstrations in recent days have also been marked by serious rioting, arson, attacks on police, and vandalism.

Authorities claim that violent groups and extremists have joined the protests, while human rights organizations have warned of the excessive use of force.

France’s Ministry of the Interior estimated that around 256,000 people took part in the latest protests, while organizers put the figure at around 450,000 demonstrators.