Poll: Majority of French Agree with Trump on Migration's Link to Riots
A new poll indicates that 55% of French citizens believe migration is a factor in the recent unrest, despite President Macron's criticism of similar remarks.
A majority of French citizens agree with former U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that migration is to blame for the recent violent riots that have swept across France, according to a new poll. The survey by the CSA Institute found that 55 percent of French people believe there is a link between migration and the violence, which has seen protesters looting shops, clashing with police, and damaging monuments.
Trump had commented on the unrest via his Truth Social platform, stating, "France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country. Close your Borders and take control, before it is too late!"
French President Emmanuel Macron, however, dismissed such comments as "stupid," asserting that the narrative of being invaded by migrants was "completely false." He expressed irritation with foreign leaders who he felt were speaking ill of France to advance their own political agendas, implicitly including Trump. "And we don't need that," Macron stated.
The unrest, which initially erupted in high schools over staffing issues and underfunded facilities, has since escalated into broader protests against the rising cost of living. These demonstrations have led authorities to ban planned gatherings in cities including Paris, Lyon, and Grenoble, citing the risk of further street violence. Despite the bans, some student groups have vowed to continue mobilizing.
A significant security operation is planned to prevent a recurrence of the weekend's violence, which exposed perceived shortcomings in security measures. Macron has met with intelligence services and ministers to review the events and prepare for upcoming protests. The demonstrations come months before France's next presidential election.
The poll's findings contrast with Macron's official stance and suggest a public sentiment in France that aligns more closely with Trump's assessment of the situation. The survey indicated that 35 percent of respondents did not believe migration was linked to the violence, while 10 percent did not offer an opinion.
The government has implemented measures such as night curfews in some areas to restore order. The ban on demonstrations extends to areas near key government buildings and train stations in Paris. Authorities are preparing for potential further actions, including a larger demonstration planned for Saturday, which activists from the 'yellow vest' movement are expected to join.