Poll: Majority of French Agree with Trump on Migration's Link to Riots

A majority of French people share the view of former U.S. President Donald Trump that migration is a contributing factor to the recent violent riots that have swept across France, according to a new poll. The unrest, characterized by looting, vandalism, and clashes with police in cities including Paris, represents some of the most severe unrest in France in years.

Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, attributed the chaos to "the immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts." He advised to "Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!"

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, dismissed such comments from foreign leaders as "stupid." He stated, "People have claimed that we were invaded by hordes of migrants and Islamists, which is completely false." Macron expressed irritation with those who speak negatively about France, asserting, "And we don't need that."

Despite Macron's stance, a poll conducted by the CSA Institute in France found that 55% of respondents believe there is a link between migration and the violence. Conversely, 35% of those surveyed disagreed, while 10% did not offer an opinion.

Macron suggested that leaders making such statements, especially those in the midst of election campaigns on "the other side of the Atlantic," were using France's situation for their own political gain. When asked if he was referring to Trump, Macron confirmed, "Among others."

Authorities in several French cities moved to ban planned demonstrations on Thursday, citing the risk of further violence. Curfews have been implemented in some areas of Paris and other cities. The ban in Paris was set to last until 8 p.m. local time and covered areas near the Elysée presidential palace, parliament buildings, and major train stations, as well as districts heavily impacted by looting.

The protests initially erupted last month in a high school in Créteil, southeast of Paris, over staffing shortages. These actions expanded to other Parisian suburbs and then nationwide, affecting smaller towns as well. High school students voiced concerns about underfunded schools, poor facilities, and staff shortages, particularly in lower-income areas. Some also called for reforms to the university admissions system.

As the government struggled to address student demands, the school-related protests evolved into broader demonstrations against the rising cost of living, months before the next presidential election. Planned demonstrations on Thursday in Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble were banned. Authorities indicated that a significant security operation would be in place for a large demonstration expected on Saturday, potentially involving activists from the "yellow vest" movement.

President Macron convened a meeting with intelligence services, ministers, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to review the events of the past weekend and prepare for upcoming protests. Lecornu had previously met with union representatives to discuss security measures for Saturday's planned demonstration.