French President Emmanuel Macron criticized foreign leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for blaming Muslim immigrants as the cause of riots and looting in France, calling it the spread of distorted information for political gain. Meanwhile, the French government is preparing strict security measures to handle potential protests set for Thursday and Saturday.
President Emmanuel Macron stated that some foreign leaders are exploiting France's social tensions for political advantage, following clashes, riots, and looting in various cities nationwide triggered by protests over rising living costs and education issues.
Macron noted that distorted information from abroad emerged after last weekend's violence, leading to unacceptable and "ignorant" remarks from multiple individuals, including foreign leaders. When asked if he was referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, Macron replied, "Including him and others."
Macron also said that artificially generated images created by artificial intelligence (AI) have been circulated, depicting events that never happened in France, along with claims that France is being invaded by large numbers of immigrants and Islamist groups, which is untrue. However, he did not specify which images he meant.
Earlier, Trump made unsubstantiated claims that France is being taken over, looted, and destroyed by immigrants, jihadists, and communists, urging Macron to close borders and regain control before it is too late. Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance blamed immigration policies and multiculturalism for the unrest, also without providing evidence.
Macron said some leaders in Europe and across the Atlantic are using AI-generated content or misleading information for their political campaigns. He emphasized that France seeks peace, respect, and progress but should not tolerate the spread of false accusations.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France is ready to provide clarifications to relevant countries to prevent the dissemination or amplification of false information, including baseless claims on social media.
The protests, which began in September over dissatisfaction with education and living costs, have escalated into nationwide riots, with over 2,000 arrests made in just the past weekend. French authorities have declared curfews in parts of several major cities, including some districts in Paris.
Protests are expected again on 22 and 24 October, following calls by student unions and the Yellow Vest movement for public demonstrations. The Yellow Vests previously organized major protests over fuel prices during 2018-2019.
Paris police have banned demonstrations planned for Thursday, citing public safety and property protection. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government will deploy a large security force on Saturday to prevent repeat violence.
Macron said the government will use existing legal measures to prevent further disorder and plans to disclose details about response strategies, including situation assessments, intelligence gathering, and security operations covering protests on Saturday and the weeks ahead.
During a visit to key energy-producing countries in the Arabian Gulf, Macron revealed that France has secured an additional 100,000 tons of diesel per month from the United Arab Emirates and is awaiting confirmation of another 100,000 tons from Bahrain.
The French presidential office stated that the trip aims to address the energy crisis and rising prices, as well as to enhance security of supply for oil, natural gas, diesel, and aviation fuels. France expects to secure nearly 295,000 additional tons of diesel monthly, including supplies from Saudi Arabia, representing over 10% of the country's monthly diesel consumption.
Macron traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before returning to Paris, aiming to promote diversification of oil and gas import sources.
Earlier, the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations agreed to release 100 million barrels of oil and petroleum products from reserves, focusing on diesel after U.S. diesel prices hit record highs. Macron said France initiated the G7 meeting that led to this strategic reserve release and expects the measure to help reduce prices starting early November.
However, rising prices of fuel, energy, and food over recent months continue to pressure the government. Macron acknowledged that securing extra diesel may ease some concerns but stressed that other issues, especially students' demands regarding education budgets, deteriorating school facilities, and staff shortages, require urgent attention.
The French government faces pressure to control the situation following one of the most severe riots in years. Authorities hope that increased security and protest control measures will prevent renewed violence this weekend.
. . .The Associated Press / CNN