French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized foreign leaders for spreading what he called false claims about the violent protests sweeping France. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump blamed migrants, Islamists and left-wing groups for the unrest, which began with demonstrations over education and the rising cost of living. Macron rejected the claims, saying there was no visible foreign interference in the events, although he acknowledged that foreign actors had manipulated information.
Trump and US Vice President JD Vance argued that immigration and failed integration policies were behind the violence, while Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar also linked the unrest to migration policies. Macron accused leaders in Europe and the United States of amplifying misinformation, warning against statements that misrepresented the situation. More than 2,000 people were arrested during the previous weekend’s unrest, prompting local curfews and plans for a stronger police presence ahead of further demonstrations.
The protests have placed Macron’s government under pressure to restore order while addressing public concerns about schools, living costs and police conduct. What began as student-led demonstrations in September has expanded into a wider movement, with violence and looting complicating efforts to respond to protesters’ demands. Macron has urged foreign leaders to stop spreading claims he considers unfounded as France works to contain the unrest.
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