Trump blames unrest in France on mass immigration and says, 'it's not about the schools'
The president argued that "out-of-control" immigration is behind the wave of protests and violence rocking the European country. The demonstrations began with student complaints about conditions in high schools and a shortage of teachers.
Police officers stand near trash cans and furniture set on fire in the street during a demonstration in Paris
President Donald Trump attributed the unrest reported in France to mass immigration and the spread of Islam in the country, and rejected the notion that the real cause of the violence lies solely in the demands made by high school students.
"What is happening in France is nothing more than out-of-control mass immigration. This has nothing to do with schools, but with Islam, which wants to take over a country that was once great!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The statements come amid another day of protests in numerous French cities. The movement began with student protests over deteriorating school facilities, a shortage of teachers, overcrowded classrooms and other shortcomings in the education system, but in recent weeks it has escalated into clashes with security forces in some cities.
Thousands arrested and clashes with police
The protests have spread from the Paris region to much of the country. According to Reuters, more than half of French high schools were closed or blocked on Tuesday, while police used tear gas in some areas to disperse protesters.
Authorities have made more than 6,000 arrests, mainly of minors, since the protests began, and hundreds of police officers and protesters have been injured. There have also been reports of fires, damage to schools and objects being thrown at security forces.
Images of burning vehicles and buildings, as well as clashes with riot police, have gone viral on social media and fueled political debate both inside and outside France.
The crisis spills over into the French presidential campaign
National Rally leader Marine Le Pen has also called for a strong response against those who participate in violent acts. "These acts deserve exemplary punishment," she stated this week, as reported by Just the News.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government is under pressure to address educational demands without losing control of a crisis that is unfolding just a few months before the presidential election and amid severe budget constraints.
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