France is is amid mounting unrest over the surging cost of living and state services, with protests turning violent in some parts of the country, leading to arson, looting, and local curfews. The unrest has attracted international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump pointed the finger at immigration for the violence, a claim rejected by French President Emmanuel Macron. The Indian Embassy in Paris has issued a safety advisory.
DON'T MISS
Why Are Protests Taking Place Across France?
The protests kicked off in September 2026 when pupils and teachers protested against overcrowded classrooms, crumbling school facilities and teacher shortages. The protests snowballed to involve trade unions and others protesting about living costs and falling public services. Some protests have turned violent with damage and destruction of property and widespread looting. French authorities have called in additional police and enacted localised curfews in some places.
Why Did Macron Reject Trump’s Immigration Claims?
The spat escalated after Trump linked the violence in France to immigration and urged European leaders to “close their borders.” Macron pushed back against this, saying that foreign leaders’ comments had been “unacceptable” and “stupid.”Macron further issued a warning on false narratives and pictures of events that had not taken place in France that are being posted online.
