French Footballer Emmanuel Petit Calls for Migrants Who Dislike France to Leave

Emmanuel Petit, a renowned French footballer, has voiced strong opinions regarding recent civil unrest in France, calling for migrants who do not appreciate the country to depart. The former Arsenal midfielder made these remarks in a video posted to Instagram following days of protests and associated violence that disrupted communities across the nation.

Petit differentiated between those with legitimate grievances and the rioters, stating, "You shouldn't mix up the people who protested yesterday, and I understand them strongly because I too am more than fed up of being pressed like a lemon on a fiscal plan." He emphasized his love for France and welcomed foreigners who wished to integrate. However, he also stated, "But all the others, starting with the French who do not wish precisely that France continues to be what it is, go back from where you came, we don't need you." He extended this sentiment to French citizens involved in the destruction, saying, "And all those who were born with a French passport, break yourselves [get lost], we don't want you anymore."

Petit also directed criticism toward the French government, particularly President Emmanuel Macron, for what he perceived as mismanagement and a lack of resources for essential services. "Today, there's no money for the police, there's no money for the army, there's no money for the hospitals, there's no money for the schools. Bizarrely, the only thing that works in France, is taxes," he commented.

In response to the escalating violence, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced the implementation of fresh curfews in several cities, stating that measures introduced the previous day had helped maintain a calmer night. "Targeted curfews have contributed to calm overnight," Lecornu said. "Tonight new curfews will be decided where the situation requires it. These decisions will be made on the ground, by the prefects, in coordination with the mayors."

Cities including Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice had introduced partial curfews on Monday and Tuesday nights. Police reported that the nights passed without major incidents in most areas. The unrest, which followed weeks of student demonstrations over conditions in high schools, has impacted numerous businesses. Preliminary estimates suggest that at least 3,000 businesses were affected. The government has scheduled further emergency meetings, including discussions with representatives from social media platforms, to address the ongoing situation.