Trump Claims 'Immigrants With Hatred' Fueling French Unrest

Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that "immigrants with hatred in their hearts" have made France ungovernable amid ongoing nationwide riots and looting.

His comments come as French authorities grapple with widespread civil disorder that has led to calls for partial curfews in affected areas. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that local authorities were being urged to implement these measures, describing the situation as a "very localised mess in urban centres."

LeCornu added that a state of emergency could be declared if deemed necessary, but currently, partial curfews are considered more appropriate. The French interior minister, Laurent Nunez, has acknowledged that police have "lost control" in some cities during the violent protests.

The unrest began with peaceful demonstrations concerning the cost of living, education standards, and President Emmanuel Macron's leadership. However, these protests were reportedly hijacked by individuals described as "balaclava-clad thugs" who engaged in violence, looting, and vandalism across France.

Footage from Paris has depicted scenes of masked individuals stealing motorbikes and carrying away large items, including televisions, from looted shops. The riots have also spread to other cities, with reports of similar disturbances in Milan, Italy.

President Macron has appealed for calm and unity, stating that all necessary measures would be taken to bring those responsible to justice. He also indicated that lessons would be learned from "intelligence failures" that may have contributed to the scale of the unrest, which resulted in approximately 2,400 arrests over the weekend.

Amidst the escalating situation in France, images have surfaced showing some individuals seemingly unfazed by the surrounding chaos. One widely shared video depicts a couple sitting at a Parisian cafe, smoking and conversing while fires burn just meters away on the street. Other onlookers are seen observing or filming the events on their mobile phones.

The cafe itself appeared to continue operating as usual, with other patrons inside appearing either unaware or unbothered by the nearby disturbances. The unrest, which has seen significant property damage and police responses involving tear gas, has prompted a strong reaction from former President Trump, who placed blame on immigrant populations.