Macron Takes Aim at Trump, Netanyahu Over ‘Stupid Comments’ on France Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday criticised US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over their comments on unrest in France, accusing foreign leaders of exploiting the situation for political gain and spreading misleading narratives about the violence.

Speaking in Doha during a three-day visit to Qatar and the wider Gulf region, Macron condemned what he described as “stupid comments” by foreign leaders following riots and looting across France over the weekend, according to Euronews.

“There are people who campaign at France's expense — leaders who are in campaign mode, whether here in the region or on the other side of the Atlantic,” Macron said, without initially naming the leaders.

When asked directly whether his remarks were aimed at Trump, Macron replied, “Among others, yes.”

The French President also rejected claims that foreign interference had triggered the unrest, while accusing some international figures of amplifying misinformation after the violence.

“As far as I'm concerned, there is no visible foreign interference in the events that took place. There has been foreign manipulation of information in the aftermath, which led to equally unacceptable and stupid comments from many people, including foreign leaders,” he said.

Macron also criticised the circulation of artificial intelligence-generated images depicting events that had not taken place in France. He said some narratives falsely portrayed the country as having been invaded by migrants and Islamists.

“In these moments, we see who loves France and who doesn't,” Macron said, adding that those speaking ill of the country were troubling him.

TRUMP LINKS FRANCE UNREST TO IMMIGRATION

Trump had claimed on Monday that France was “under siege, looted and set ablaze by migrants, jihadists and communists”, using the unrest to warn American voters about the consequences of immigration policies.

Speaking outside the White House, the US President argued that the violence was linked to immigration rather than schools or domestic policy. He also predicted that Paris would soon become a “Muslim city” and criticised Macron for not closing France's borders.

Trump said Macron was a friend but had made a mistake by allowing people from across the world to enter France.

The remarks came as Trump campaigns ahead of the US midterm elections, with immigration and national identity featuring prominently in his political messaging.

NETANYAHU ALLEGES ‘INVASION OF EXTREMIST ISLAM’

Netanyahu also weighed in on the unrest, asserting that France was facing an “invasion of extremist Islam”.

In an interview with French-language network i24News, the Israeli Prime Minister criticised French authorities for failing to anticipate the disorder and alleged that radical Muslim groups were driving the turmoil, according to The Times of Israel.

“They did not prepare in time; they simply gave up. They succumbed to the invasion of extremist Islam,” Netanyahu said.

Asked what advice he would offer France, he urged the government to fight extremists rather than pursue what he described as a policy of appeasement.

INDIA ISSUES SAFETY ADVISORY FOR CITIZENS IN FRANCE

Amid the unrest and localised curfews, the Embassy of India in Paris has urged Indian nationals living in or travelling to France to exercise caution, avoid protest sites and follow instructions issued by French authorities.

“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities,” the Embassy said.

The advisory also asked citizens to monitor official updates and check for public transport disruptions through government and transport websites. The Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille have shared helpline contacts for emergencies.

The warning comes ahead of fresh demonstrations scheduled for October 24. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a “massive” police deployment as authorities extend curfews and tighten security in affected areas.

More than 2,500 people had been taken into police custody by Monday evening, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said, according to CBS News. The unrest has included looting, damage to businesses and the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges.

Overnight curfews have been imposed around Paris' Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, with similar restrictions introduced in Lyon and other cities. Bordeaux has also imposed a week-long night curfew on unaccompanied minors under 18, restricting their movement in public spaces between 10 pm and 7 am.

PROTESTS OVER COST OF LIVING AND PUBLIC SERVICES

The unrest has grown out of demonstrations that began in mid-September, when high school students and teachers in Paris' suburbs protested against overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings and teacher shortages. Trade unions and Yellow Vest activists subsequently joined the movement, broadening it into a nationwide campaign over the cost of living and declining public services.

Macron has distinguished peaceful demonstrators from those involved in riots and looting, saying the government would listen to protesters' concerns while ensuring that those responsible for violence faced legal consequences.

The government has announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools most in need and authorised several hundred additional hires. However, financial pressures and political divisions have complicated wider reforms.

France's public debt stood at nearly 3.6 trillion euros at the end of June, equivalent to 119 per cent of its annual economic output, CBS News reported. The government expects the fiscal deficit to reach 5.4 per cent of economic output this year and aims to reduce it to 5 per cent in 2027.

Macron's allies also lack a majority in parliament, complicating efforts to secure support for major policy measures.

Macron is expected to convene an emergency meeting with cabinet ministers and intelligence officials after returning to Paris on Thursday to receive a detailed account of the October 17 events.

With inputs from ANI