US President Donald Trump has blamed immigration for the unrest sweeping France, after nationwide protests over the cost of living and conditions in schools turned violent and led to at least 1,800 arrests.
“France is burning!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, urging the French government to close its borders. French authorities have not linked immigrants to the rioting, attributing much of the violence to radical far-left groups and looters.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said hundreds of businesses were looted in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux, and more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured. In Limoges, a deliberately set fire engulfed the 19th-century City Hall, causing its roof to collapse. Authorities put the turnout at about 550,000, while organisers said around 800,000 took part.
President Emmanuel Macron was set to hold an emergency meeting with senior officials on Sunday before addressing the nation.
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